I  F  EL.  of 


txbxaxy  of  the  theological  Seminary 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 


BX  7795 

.L4x 

Levick , 

Samuel 

Jones,  1819- 

1885. 

Life  of 

Samuel 

J.  Levick 

OF  PRiNcfifc 

NOV  5  1958 
Logical 


*  \ 


\ 

* 


Digitized  by 

the  Internet  Archive 

in  2015 

https://archive.org/details/lifeofsamueljlevOOIevi_0 


L I F  E 


NOV  5  1958 
Logical  se**£ 


SAMUEL  J.  LEVICK 


.ATE  OF  THK  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA 


"  Prefer  the  Lord's  interest,  and  He  will  make  thy  way  prosperous" 

—Stephen  Crisp 


PHILADELPHIA 

WILLIAM  H.  PILE'S  SONS.  PRINTERS,  422  WALNUT  STREET 


1 896 


PREFACE. 


More  than  two  years  ago  the  manuscripts  of  Samuel  J.  Levick  were, 
by  his  family,  placed  in  my  bands  with  the  request  that  they  be  pre- 
pared for  publication. 

On  looking  fiver  these  papers  it  was  discovered  that — excepting  the 
letters- -they  had  nearly  all  been  written  before  he  was  twenty-five  years 
of  age  ;  thus  leaving  the  last  forty  years  of  his  full  life  to  be  accounted  for 
by  others,  in  the  absence  of  records  made  by  his  own  pen.  It  is  true  thai 
the  "Correspondence"  has  furnished  us  with  way-marks— though  some  of 
them  far  apart  — up  to  his  last  decade,  and  during  this  period  the  annual 
reports  of  the  societies  with  which  he  was  connected  have  enabled  us  to 
note  his  activity  and  usefulness  in  secular  affairs,  while  the  minutes  of 
the  Monthly  .Meeting  point  to  religious  service  away  from  home. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  our  valued  friend — though  he  wielded 
a  facile  pen — was  a  thinker,  a  speaker,  and  a  worker,  rather  than  a  writer  ; 
and  that  during  those  forty  years  his  time  was  so  fully  occupied  that  he 
hail  little  leisure  for  using  his  pen  except  in  response  to  the  demands  of 
business,  of  friendship  and  of  affection. 

The  arrangement  of  the  matter,  as  will  be  observed,  is  by  subjects  rather 
than  by  dates;  for  as  Samuel  J.  Levick  was  a  many-sided  man  it  seemed 
desirable  to  present  the  different  sides  in  such  a  way  that  one  would  not 
obstruct  nor  interfere  with  the  view  of  another.  The  order  of  time, 
though  thus  made  secondary,  is  followed  as  far  as  is  practicable  under 
each  of  the  subjects.  The  domestic  life,  the  social  life,  the  business  life, 
the  philanthropic  and  humane  work  must  all  be  taken  into  account, 
as  well  the  commission  to  proclaim  the  Gospel. 


iv 


PREFACE. 


[n  the  first  three  Chapters  are  noted  his  ancestry,  his  environment  ami 
the  conditions  that  accompany  a  healthy,  happy  and  active  boyhood. 

In  the  Fourth,  we  must  wade  through  deep  waters  if  we  would  accom- 
pany a  tender-spirited  young  man  on  his  religious  journey,  and  know- 
just  what  he  passed  through  before  he  reached  the  broad  plane  on  which 
lie  traveled  during  the  last  twenty-five  years  of  Ins  life. 

The  Fifth  Chapter,  while  it  presents  to  our  view  the  mature  life  of  a 
very  active  man,*  must  be  regarded  as  suggestive  rather  than  minutely 
historical :  he  did  no  much  during  those  forty  years  that  was  not  recorded. 

In  the  "  Correspondence"  the  omissions  are  uol  indicated  by  asterisks,  as 
they  consist  of  business  or  family  matters  which  would  not  concern  the 
general  reader;  or  else  of  allusions  to  occurrences  whose  interest  has 
long  since  passed  the  limit  of  time. 

The  "Thoughts  on  Special  Topics''  were  apparently  jotted  down  as  the 
subjects  had  taken  hold  of  his  mind ;  and  as  some  of  the  papers  were 
without  heading,  and  several  of  them  without  date,  it  is  probable  that 
he  intended  them  as  mere  outline*  to  be  elaborated  al  some  future  time. 

Chapter  Eighth  is  the  account  of  his  early  religious  labors  from  home. 
Of  the  later  ones  the  minutes  of  the  meeting,  the  recollections  of  his 
family,  and  his  own  letters,  have  furnished  the  data. 

The  "  Sermons"  from  which  the  selections  have  been  made — and  several 
of  them  are  given  nearly  in  full — it  is  believed  were  all  delivered  in 
Philadelphia  during  the  late  years  of  his  life.  It  may  be  said  that  any 
Friend's  sermon — being  intended  for  the  assembly  in  which  it  is  de- 
livered— .suffers  from  being  placed  on  paper.  The  aroma  cannot  be  con- 
veyed to  the  reader,  even  where  the  words  are  faithfully  reported.  If 
this  be  true  of  all  Friends'  sermons,  it  is  particularly  so  of  Samuel  J. 
Levick's ;  for  his  words  seemed  to  have  magnetic  force  as  well  as  Gospel 
unction,  while  the  earnestness  of  his  manner  was  solemnly  impressive. 

The  Tenth  Chapter  is  a  review  oi  the  life,  with  especial  reference  to  his 
call  to  the  ministry,  and  his  preparation  for  the  work. 


PREFACE. 


V 


There  were  so  many  collateral  items  which  though  germane  to  the 
subject  would  have  broken  the  thread  of  the  narrative,  that  an  Appendix 
seemed  to  be  required. 

To  those  who  have  been  lite-long  members  of  the  religious  Societj 
of  Friends,  some  of  the  observations  and  explanations  may  seem  super- 
fluous; while  on  the  oilier  hand,  many  who  knew  Samuel  .1.  LeVick, 
but  who  are  not  acquainted  with  the  usages,  the  phraseology  —the  pecu- 
liarities— of  the  denomination,  may  find  passages  or  expressions  difficult 
to  be  understood,  Though  both  of  these  classes  have  been  considered  in 
the  preparation  of  the  work,  still  it  is  possible  that  some  readers  may 
not  feel  quite  satisfied  with  the  treatment  of  this  portion  of  the  subject : 
those  who  would  become  fully  acquainted  with  Friends  should  see  them 
in  their  homes,  and  in  their  social  gatherings,  and  observe  their  inter- 
course with  each  other  in  every-day  life. 

Should  any  reader  think  thai  secular  affairs  have  been  made  too  promi- 
nent, let  it  be  remembered  that  the  Life  would  not  have  been  true  with- 
out a  presentation  of  this  part :  should  another  feel  that  the  early  religious 
experience  has  been  dwelt  upon  at  too  great  length,  let  him  remember  that 
it  was  this  experience  which  our  friend  valued  above  every  earthly  con- 
sideration, and  which  had  fitted  him  for  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as 
well  as  for  the  enjoyment  of  life. 

Should  it  appear,  on  a  superficial  view,  as  if  different  portions  of  the 
Life  were  contradictory  to  each  other,  a  closer  study  may  reveal  the  fact 
that  it  is  the  record  of  a  candid  man  whose  heart  was  right,  and  who  was 
most  esteemed  where  best  known.  If  all  the  readers  of  this  book  had 
known  him  of  whom  it  treats,  known  him  in  his  every-day  walk,  in 
the  by-ways  as  well  as  in  the  highways,  at  home  as  well  as  abroad, — they 
would  not  be  likely  to  stumble  at  seeming  inconsistencies,  but  would  see 
the  course  of  an  honest  and  earnest  man  following  the  golden  thread  of 
obedience  to  the  manifestations  of  dnly. 

Hugh  Foulke. 

Phii,adklpiiia,  Pa.,  Twelfth  Mouth,  1S9">. 


s  i 


PREFACE. 


Note. — The  editor  is  indebted  to  numerous  friends  for  information  and 
other  assistance  in  the  preparation  of  the  work.  The  correspondents  of 
Friends'  meetings,  the  Librarians  of  this  city,  and  the  officers  of  the  societies 
of  which  Samuel  J.  Levick  was  a  member,  have  kindly  responded  to  all  in- 
quiries sent  to  them,  und  the  publishers  of  books  have  given  "full  permission" 
to  make  extracts  from  their  publications. 

Especial  mention  may  be  made  of  the  assistance  rendered  by  Howard  M. 
Jenkins  in  furnishing  the  sketch  (a  brief  one  was  requested  I  of  the  early  es- 
tablishment of  Merion  Meeting,  also  valuable  information  on  sundry  points ; 
by  Charles  Francis  Saunders  who  kindly  assisted  in  preparing  some  of  the 
papers  for  the  press;  by  ,) .  Lewis  Crew,  President,  and  by  Richard  Moore, 
Secretary  of  the  "Pennsylvania  Society  to  Protect  Children  from  Cruelty ;"  by 
M.  V.  B.  Davis,  Secretary  of  the  "  Pennsylvania  Society  for  the  Prevention  of 
Cruelty  to  Animals;"  by  Charles  \V.  Alexander,  Secretary  of  the  "Pennsyl- 
vania Bicentennial ;"  by  John  W.  Jordan  of  the  "  Pennsylvania  Historical  So- 
ciety;" and  by  the  following  who  have  responded  to  special  requests:  Charles 
S.  Albertson,  Henry  T.  Coates,  Morton  C.  Coggeshall,  Joseph  T.  Fonlke,  Jno. 
F.  Freas,  Jane  (1.  Kinsey,  Emily  K.  Lyman,  Alfred  Mellor,  Alfred  Moore, 
Wesley  Patterson,  L.  J.  Richards,  Adolph  Boeder  and  Samuel  Sharp. 

To  the  different  members  of  the  family  individual  acknowledgments  arc  due 
for  their  hearty  cooperation  from  the  inception  to  the  completion  of  the  work. 


CONTENTS. 


Chapter  I. — Ancestry  and  Parentage, 
CHAPTER  II. — His  Father's  Family, 
CHAPTER  III. — Childhood  and  Youth, 
Chapter  IV. — Early  Manhood, 
Chapter  V.— Mature  Manhood, 
Chapter  VI.— Correspondence, 
Chapter  VII.  -Thoughts  on  Special  Topics, 

Chapter  VIII.— Religious  Visits,  • 
Chapter  IX. — Selections  from  Sermons, 
Chapter  X.— A  Retrospect, 
Memorial,  ....... 

Appendix,  


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Samuel  J.  Levick,  from  a  photograph  when  ahout  sixty  years 

of  age,     ......  Frontispiece 

Elizabeth  W.  Levick,  from  a  photograph,  .  .  opposite  j>.  '~2 
SAMUEL  J.  LEVICK,  from  an  ambrotvpe,  when  about  thirty  years 

of  age,      ......     opposite  p.  161 

Merion  Meeting  House  ami  Fori  ton  <>f  Graveyard,  from  a 

photograph,        .....     opposite  p.  175 
!Samttel  J.  LEVICK,  from  a  photograph,  when  about  forty-seven 

years  of  age,        .....     opposite  p. 
Merion  Meeting  House,  from  a  photograph,      .     opposite  p.  J12 
Facsimile  of  a  Postal,  written  by  Samel  J.  Levick,  opposite  p.  304 


Life  of  Samuel  J.  Levick. 


CHAPTER  I. 

ANCESTRY  AND  PARENTAGE." 

It  has  been  said  that  there  are  comparatively  few  persons 
who  can  name  all  the  eight  of  their  great-grandparents.  It 
is  a  disadvantage  to  any  one  to  feel  humiliated  by  an  allu- 
sion to  his  ancestry ;  and  it  is  also  a  source  of  regret  when 
progenitors — so  far  as  character  and  reputation  are  con- 
cerned— have  left  to  their  posterity  a  merely  negative  inherit- 
ance ;  where  all  that  can  be  appropriated  from  the  family 
record  is  only  a  list  of  names  and  dates.  Wealth  there  may 
be  that  has  been  acquired  by  diligent  attention  to  business, 
increased  by  honest  gains,  and  hoarded  from  generation  to 
generation,  yet  when  we  search  for  some  incidents  that 
marked  the  career  of  these  plodding  ones,  some  index-boards 
on  the  highway  of  life,  something  to  constitute  a  biography 
— we  gather  only  statistics;  born,  went  into  business,  mar- 
ried, had  children,  died,  left  a  will ;  "  only  these  and  nothing 
more." 

With  Samuel  Jones  Levick  the  case  is  very  different;  for 
we  find  on  both  sides,  a  long  line  of  worthy  "  Quaker"  an- 
cestry, and  each  family  that  comes  into  it  adds  something 


10 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


to  the  interest  of  the  history,  as  well  as  to  the  variety  of 
intellect  and  the  strength  of  character.  The  names  of 
Leviek,  Manlove,  Hall,  Jones,  Wetherill,  Lewis,  Hayes, 
Fearon,  Noble,  Garrett,  Lovett,  Smith  and  Yeates,  call  up 
memories  of  records  and  traditions  associated  with  Kent 
County  in  Delaware;  with  Montgomery,  Delaware,  Chester 
and  Bucks  Counties  in  Pennsylvania ;  with  Burlington 
County  in  New  Jersey,  and  with  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

The  Levicks  came  originally  from  France  (where  the 
name  was  written  Leveque  or  Levesque) ;  but  they  had 
crossed  over  to  England,  and  had  been  living  in  Derbyshire 
many  years  before  the  first  one  of  the  name  (so  far  as  we 
know)  came  to  America.  It  was  in  the  year  1680  that 
Richard*  and  Mary  Levick  settled  in  St.  Jones  County  (novv 
Kent  County),  Delaware.  "  In  the  list  of  grants  by  the 
Court  of  St.  Jones,  is  that  to  Richard  Levick  of  a  tract  of 
land  of  six  hundred  acres,  called  the  Shoulder  of  Mutton, 
situate  and  being  on  the  west  side  of  Delaware  Bay,  and 
next  adjoining  land  of  J.  Brinckle,  called  Lisbon."  In  the 
same  list  of  grants  there  is  one  for  Mark  Manlove.  The 
name  of  Manlove  is  quite  prominent  in  the  records  of  St. 
Jones  County.  We  find  that  one  was  a  Justice  of  the 
Peace,  two  were  members  of  the  Assembly,  and  one  was  a 
Captain  in  the  war  of  the  American  Revolution. 

Richard  and  Mary  Levick  had  a  son  William,  and  he  and 
his  wife  Sarah  Levick,  had  a  son  William  who  married 

*  For  a  more  full  account  of  Richard  Levick  see  Appendix. 


ANCESTRY    AND  PARENTAGE. 


11 


Susanna  Manlove,  the  daughter  of  Mark  and  Anne  (Hall) 
Manlove.  William  and  Susanna  Levick  were  the  parents 
of  Ebenezer,  and  the  grandparents  of  Samuel  J.  Levick. 

We  have  the  information,  from  those  who  knew  him, 
that  "  William  Levick,  the  father  of  Ebenezer,  was  a  mem- 
ber and  Elder  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  a  man  much  es- 
teemed for  his  neighborly  kindness,  for  his  strict  integrity 
of  character,  and  his  earnest  and  useful  attachment  to  the 
religious  body  to  which  he  belonged.  He  was  born  on  the 
twelfth  of  Tenth  Month,  1738  (0.  S.),  and  died  at  his  home 
in  Little  Creek,  Delaware,  on  the  twenty-third  of  Tenth 
Month,  1803. 

"  Susanna  Manlove,  wife  of  William,  and  mother  of  Ebe- 
nezer, was  the  daughter  of  Mark  and  Anne  Hall  Manlove, 
and  was  born  on  the  twenty-sixth  of  Third  Month,  1752 
(0.  S.).  She  died  on  the  ninth  of  Second  Month,  1802,  more 
than  a  year  before  her  husband,  though  much  his  junior. 
In  a  Memorial  respecting  her,  written  by  her  friend  Sarah 
Cowgill,  she  is  spoken  of  as  a  woman  of  great  sweetness  of 
disposition  and  of  marked  Christian  humility  of  character." 

At  the  time  of  his  father's  death,  Ebenezer  had  just  en- 
tered upon  his  thirteenth  year,  and  about  three  years  later 
he  came  to  Philadelphia  and  lived  with  his  cousin  Rachel 
Fisher,  who  like  himself,  was  a  native  of  Kent  County.  At 
this  early  age,  and  in  a  strange  city,  without  a  mother's 
voice  to  comfort,  or  a  father's  counsel  to  direct,  did  the 
youth  enter  upon  his  preparation  for  a  mercantile  life. 


12 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


What  added  much  to  the  hardship  of  his  case  was  that 
merchandise  was  not  the  calling  of  his  choice,  but  was  ac- 
cepted, or  submitted  to,  out  of  deference  to  the  wishes,  and 
the  explicit  direction  of  his  deceased  father.  He  had  a 
longing  desire  to  study  medicine ;  but  his  father — having  a 
great  dread  of  the  associations  of  the  medical  lecture-room 
— had  opposed  the  gratification  of  this  desire  ;  and  had  taken 
the  precaution  to  insert  a  clause  in  his  will,  which  would 
prevent  it  after  his  death.  Ebenezer,  in  after  life,  "  regretted 
that  his  early  preference  had  been  set  aside,  and  those  who 
knew  him  best  believed  that  had  he  been  permitted  to  fol- 
low his  inclination,  he  would  have  been  both  a  beloved  and 
a  successful  physician." 

While  living  with  his  cousin  he  had  occasion  to  transact 
some  business  for  her,  that  took  him  to  the  house  of  Mary 
Wetherill  Jones,  where  he  met,  for  the  first  time,  her  daugh- 
ter Elizabeth,  who  afterwards  became  his  wife. 

Elizabeth  Wetherill  Jones  was  the  "  maiden  name  "  of 
Samuel  J.  Levick's  mother.  Her  ancestry  was  a  remarka- 
ble one  in  many  respects ;  and  the  family  records  have  been 
preserved  and  arranged  with  a  completeness,  as  well  as  ac- 
curacy, that  we  rarely  find  in  our  genealogical  researches. 
Her  father's  ancestors  were  Welsh,  and  her  mother's  were 
English ;  so  that  we  have  on  one  side  the  names  Jones, 
Lewis  and  Hayes  [her  father's  grandmothers  were  both 
named  Lewis]  ;  and  on  the  other  those  of  Wetherill,  Fearon, 
Noble,  Smith,  Garrett,  Lovett  and  Yeates.    We  can  name, 


ANCESTRY    AND    PARENTAGE.  13 

not  only  her  eight  great-grandparents,  but  in  the  Noble 
family  can  go  back  two  generations  beyond  Joseph  Noble 
who  was  her  great-grandfather.  The  Smith  line  has  been 
traced  back  to  William  Smith  (Willelmus  Smyth  it  is  writ- 
ten in  the  old  Latin  Register  of  Graham  Church),  who  was 
born  about  A.  D.  1570.  Elizabeth  W.  Jones  would  have 
had  to  prefix  Jive  greats,  and  her  son  Samuel  six,  to  the  word 
grandfather,  to  make  it  applicable  to  this  ancestor.  Again 
we  find  that  William  Yeates  of  Alborough,  England,  was 
the  great-grandfather  of  her  great-grandmother. 

Many  of  these  worthy  ancestors,  both  the  Welsh  and  the 
English,  are  alluded  to  in  "  Besse's  Sufferings  of  Friends," 

.  as  having  been  fined  or  imprisoned  for  their  faithful  adher- 
ence to  the  testimonies  of  Friends;  and  the  certificates  of 
removal  that  they  brought  when  they  came  to  this  country, 
also  the  stations  that  they  filled  in  the  early  Friends'  meet- 
ings in  Pennsylvania  and  New  Jersey,  show  the  esteem  in 
which  they  were  held  by  their  friends  both  in  the  old  and 
in  the  new  country. 

A  considerable  number  of  these  prominent  Friends  held 
civil  offices,  and  one  of  them  is  spoken  of  as  the  "  loved  and 
trusted  friend  of  William  Penn."   Of  the  WetherilPs,  Chris- 

..  topher,  his  son  Thomas,  and  his  grandson  Samuel,  were 
members  of  the  Council  of  Proprietors  of  West  Jersey. 
David  Jones,  Elizabeth's  great-grandfather,  was  one  of  the 
first  elders  appointed  in  Haverford  Monthly  Meeting.  The 
name  of  his  wife,  Katherine  Jones,  appears  on  the  record  as 


14 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


an  "  inspector  of  conversation,"  also  as  a  "  representative  to 
the  Quarterly  Meeting." 

Haverford,  Merion  and  Radnor,  seem  to  have  been  favorite 
localities  with  these  early  "Welsh  settlers.  Tradition  informs 
us  that  they  were  attracted  by  the  fertility  of  the  soil,  and 
by  the  abundant  supply  of  pure  spring  water.  The  English 
ancestors  were  drawn  to  Burlington  County,  New  Jersey ; 
though  some  found  their  way  to  Bucks  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania. The  family  history  is  interspersed  with  numerous 
pithy  notes  as  well  as  more  serious  items  of  interest ;  many 
of  the  latter  having  reference  to  the  persecutions  that  the 
Friends  of  that  day  had  to  suffer  for  their  faith,  and  their 
loyalty  in  the  support  of  their  testimonies. 

David  and  Katherine  Jones  had  a  son  James,  who  was 
born  in  Wales,  and  who  came  to  this  country  with  his 
parents  in  1699.  He  married  Hannah  Hayes,  lived  to  be 
ninety-two  years  old,  and  died  at  his  home  in  Blockley. 
This  worthy  couple  had  a  son  named  Isaac  who  married 
Mary  Noble  Wetherill ;  the  marriage  being  accomplished  in 
Friends'  meeting-house  at  Burlington,  New  Jersey,  on  the 
twenty-sixth  of  Eleventh  Month,  1778.  The  offspring  of 
this  marriage  consisted  of  four  children  the  youngest  of 
whom  was  Elizabeth  W.  Jones,  who  became  the  wife  of 
Ebenezer  Levick. 

We  should  have  to  go  farther  back  to  bring  in  the  Gar- 
rett, Lovett  and  Yeates  families.  The  mother  of  Joseph 
Noble  was  Mary  Garrett  Noble ;  and  the  mother  of  his  wife 


ANCESTRY    AND  PARENTAGE. 


15 


was  Elizabeth  Lovett  Smith  whose  mother  was  Anne  daugh- 
ter of  William  Yeaies  of  Alborough,  England.  The  one  last 
named  is  spoken  of  as  "  a  worthy  Quaker  gentleman  of  Al- 
borough." 

To  do  justice  to  this  family  record  it  should  be  given  in 
its  entirety,  which  would  encroach  on  the  life  of  the  one  to 
be  portrayed  in  this  book;  so  we  leave  the  remote  ancestors 
of  Elizabeth  W.  Jones,  and  refer  to  her  parents,  Isaac  and 
Mary  Wetherill  Jones,  whose  marriage  has  already  been 
noted.  In  speaking  of  her  parents,  Elizabeth  says :  "  My 
parents  were  members  of  the  religious  Society  of  Friends, 
as  their  ancestors  had  been,  from  the  days  of  George  Fox. 
Sincerely  attached  to  its  doctrines  and  testimonies,  for  which 
their  forefathers  had  suffered  imprisonment  and  much  loss 
of  worldly  goods,  they  were  not  in  the  narrow  sense  of  the 
word  sectarian,  and  numbered  among  their  friends,  even 
their  intimate  friends,  many  good  people  of  other  religious 
denominations." 

When  in  her  nineteenth  year  Elizabeth  lost  her  father, 
very  suddenly;  and  her  young  life  heretofore  so  joyous  was 
now  overshadowed  by  a  deep  sorrow.  She  speaks  of  him 
as  "a  tall  and  very  handsome  man,  with  dark  hair  and  eyes, 
tender  and  gentle  to  all,  unwilling  to  hurt  the  feelings  of 
anyone  ....  thoroughly  honest  himself,  he  was  un- 
suspecting of  others,  and  thus  in  more  than  one  instance, 
became  the  loser,  pecuniarily,  where  he  had  trusted  others 
in  business  relations." 


16 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


The  other  children  had  been  married  before  the  death  of 
their  father,  so  that  after  that  sad  event  her  mother  and  her- 
self constituted  the  family  in  their  home :  thus  it  was  until 
the  time  of  her  marriage,  after  which  her  husband  and  herself 
lived  with  "mother"  one  year,  and  then  moved  into  their 
own  house.  Not  long  after  their  settlement  in  their  new 
abode,  "mother"  came  to  live  with  them,  and  was  one  of 
their  household  for  the  remainder  of  her  life. 

Mary  Wetherill  Jones  died  at  the  home  of  her  son-in-law, 
Ebenezer  Levick,  on  the  eleventh  of  Twelfth  Month,  1829, 
and  her  remains  were  interred  in  Friends'  Ground  at  Merion. 


CHAPTER  II. 
his  father's  family. 

Ebenezer  Levick  was  the  son  of  William  and  Susanna 
(Manlove)  Levick,  and  was  born  at  Little  Creek,  Delaware, 
on  the  sixteenth  of  Seventh  Month,  1791.  When  about 
sixteen  years  of  age  he  removed  to  Philadelphia,  and  entered 
upon  the  preparation  for  a  mercantile  life. 

Elizabeth  Wetherill  Jones  was  the  daughter  of  Isaac  and 
Mary  (Wetherill)  Jones,  and  was  born  at  No.  17  Pine  Street, 
Philadelphia,  on  the  fifth  of  Sixth  Month,  1789. 

Ebenezer  Levick  and  Elizabeth  W.  Jones  were  married 


his  father's  family. 


17 


in  Friends'  meeting-house,  Tine  Street,  Philadelphia,  on  the 
tirst  of  Fifth  Month,  1816. 

For  one  year  after  their  marriage  they  lived  with  Eliza- 
beth's widowed  mother,  and  then  moved  to  the  northern 
part  of  the  city,  where  Ebenezer's  business  was  located. 

In  the  course  of  time  five  sons  and  three  daughters  were 
born  into  the  family.  Two  of  the  boys  died  in  infancy,  but 
the  other  six  of  the  children  all  survived  their  father,  and 
three  of  them  were  spared  to  comfort  their  mother  to  the 
end  of  her  long  period  of  widowhood  which  extended  over 
thirty-seven  years.  The  names  of  the  six  in  the  order  of 
their  ages,  were  Samuel  J.,  William  M.,  James  J.,  Mary  J., 
Elizabeth  R.,  and  Anna.  Though  the  youngest  of  the 
family,  Anna  was  the  first  of  the  six  to  pass  away :  she  died 
in  1872.  Her  husband,  J.  Lewis  Crew  of  Philadelphia,  and 
their  two  daughters  are  still  living.  William  died  in  1874. 
He  was  a  useful  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  was 
frequently  called  to  serve  the  Yearly  Meeting  on  some  of 
its  most  important  committees ;  being  esteemed  for  his  ex- 
cellent judgment,  and  for  his  true  inwardness  as  a  Friend. 
His  wife  was  Hannah,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Sarah 
Moore,  of  Quakertown,  Pennsylvania :  she  and  their  two 
daughters  are  still  living.  The  next  death  in  the  family 
was  that  of  Samuel  in  1885,  and  in  the  following  year  that 
of  his  aged  mother.  Mary  died  in  1892  and  James  in  1893 ; 
so  that  at  the  present  date  (1895)  the  only  survivor  of  the 
eight  children  is  Elizabeth  R.  Levick. 


18 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


The  three  sons,  as  was  the  case  with  their  father,  died 
suddenly,  and  all  were  removed  in  the  midst  of  their  use- 
fulness, and  before  age  had  impaired  their  faculties.  Wil- 
liam and  Samuel  had  been  together  in  mercantile  business ; 
but  they  both  left  it,  and  William  studied  law.  After  a 
thorough  preparation  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  be- 
came noted  as  a  counselor  in  office  practice.  In  Orphans' 
Court  business,  and  in  matters  pertaining  to  titles  and  real 
estate  he  was  consulted  with  implicit  confidence  in  his  legal 
knowledge,  his  good  judgment  and  his  strict  integrity.  He 
was  also  for  many  years  a  valued  member  of  the  City  Board 
of  Education.  Dr.  James  J.  Levick  was  one  of  the  eminent 
physicians  of  Philadelphia,  his  professional  association  being 
with  those  who  stood  in  the  front  rank.  As  a  Welsh  his- 
torian, and  genealogist,  he  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  in 
the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society ;  and  the  Welsh  Society 
had  few  more  useful  or  more  esteemed  members  than  he. 
His  work — both  the  professional  and  the  historical — will 
long  live,  and  will  keep  alive  his  memory  as  well  as  his 
name. 

With  the  exception  of  Samuel,  all  the  children  passed 
their  entire  home  life  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

From  numerous  passages  in  the  diary  of  Samuel,  as  well 
as  from  the  very  interesting  "  Recollections  "  of  his  mother, 
we  are  favored  with  glimpses  into  the  privacy  of  the  family- 
circle,  and  they  give  abundant  evidence  that  with  much 
individuality,  and  great  strength  of  character,  there  was  also 


his  father's  family. 


19 


a  high  regard  for  filial  duty ;  but  more  noticeable  than  any- 
thing else  about  the  household  is  that  it  was  bound  together 
by  the  cementing  bond  of  love.  Intellectuality  and  refine- 
ment both  prevailed;  but  it  was  unfeigned  affection  that 
marked  the  bearing  toward  each  other  of  parents  and  chil- 
dren, brothers  and"  sisters,  as  well  as  that  which  subsisted 
between  the  two  heads  of  the  family.  It  would  appear  that 
this  bond  of  union  existed  not  only  while  all  dwelt  together 
under  the  paternal  roof;  but  that  it  continued  to  cement 
them  after  their  paths  had  diverged,  and  they  had  estab- 
lished themselves  in  separate  homes.  Their  loyalty  and 
their  love  for  each  other  seemed  to  be  of  the  kind  promised 
in  the  marriage  covenant,  to  continue  "  until  death  should 
separate  them ;"  and  when  the  separation  came,  the  sur- 
vivors were  mourners  in  deed  and  in  truth. 

Ebenezer  Levick  was  a  prominent  merchant  of  Philadel- 
phia, and  he  became  one  of  a  company  that  erected  some 
large  tanneries  at  Pocono  Mountain.  Though  less  shrewd 
than  is  the  case  with  many  who  have  been  bred  to  mer- 
cantile pursuits,  he  was  highly  esteemed  in  business  circles, 
as  well  as  by  those  engaged  in  philanthropic  work ;  while 
among  his  intimate  friends  he  was  known  to  be  generous 
and  genial.  His  many  good  qualities  drew  to  him  a  host 
of  friends.  He  "took  a  deep  interest  in  the  public  chari- 
ties of  his  neighborhood,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest  mem- 
bers of  the  Northern  Dispensary  of  Philadelphia,  also  of 
the  Northern  Soup  Society,  of  which  he  was  for  some 


20 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


years  the  treasurer.  He  was  of  medium  height,  of  a 
bright,  pleasant  countenance,  with  a  clear,  English  com- 
plexion. He  possessed  great  kindness  of  heart,  combined 
with  much  native  force  of  character.  He  was  a  loving 
husband,  a  devoted  father,  a  useful  citizen,  and  his  mem- 
ory is  affectionately  cherished  both  in  his  own  home,  and 
in  those  of  many  whom  he  had  kindly  cared  for,  and 
helped  in  time  of  trouble."  In  his  family  he  was  not  only 
affectionate  aud  tender,  but  very  indulgent  both  as  husband 
and  father.  His  widow  says  of  him,  "my  children  all  re- 
member their  father,  and  what  a  bright,  cheerful  disposition 
his  was;  how  fond  he  was  of  them,  and  how  thoughtful 
always  for  their  best  welfare ;  how  happy  he  strove  to  make 
all  at  his  home,  and  how  that  home  was,  indeed,  a  truly 
happy  one.  Our  married  life  [of  thirty-three  and  a  half 
years]  was  very  happy,  although  we  knew  many  vicissitudes 
and  our  cup  was  not  an  unmixed  one.  But,  I  repeat  it,  the 
love  and  tender  care  of  my  husband  never  failed  me,  and 
He  who  permitted,  in  best  wisdom,  trials  to  come  upon  us, 
never  left  us  without  some  present  sense  of  his  loving  kind- 
ness and  tender  mercy  towards  us."  Ebenezer  Levick  died 
suddenly  of  apoplexy,  on  the  eleventh  of  Tenth  Month,  1849. 

His  widow  lived  to  a  good  old  age,  and  looked  upon 
several  great-grandchildren.  Her  intellect  continued  to  be 
clear  and  bright  to  the  last.  For  a  number  of  years  in  her 
advanced  life  she  was  blind ;  but  at  the  age  of  eighty-four 
an  operation  was  performed,  removing  the  cataracts  from 


his  father's  family. 


21 


both  eyes,  and  thus  restoring  her  sight.  It  was  an  entire 
success,  and  no  unfavorable  results  followed.  Thus  for  the 
last  thirteen  years  of  her  life  was  she  permitted  to  behold 
the  countenances  of  her  family,  and  her  numerous  friends, 
to  see  the  flowers  which  she  so  much  enjoyed,  to  use  her 
pen  and  her  needle,  and  to  read,  with  her  own  eyes,  the 
pages  of  the  Sacred  Volume. 

After  the  death  of  her  husband  she  lived  for  ten  years 
with  her  children  William  and  Hannah;  and  as  their  home 
was  near  to  the  North  Meeting,  she  continued  to  attend 
that,  as  she  had  done  during  nearly  all  of  her  married  life. 
In  1859  she  went  to  live  with  her  son  and  daughter  James 
and  Mary,  in  their  home  on  the  S.  W.  corner  of  Twelfth 
and  Arch  Streets,  and  she  then  became  an  attender  and  a 
member  of  Twelfth  Street  Meeting.  For  the  first  twenty- 
eight  years  of  her  life  she  was  a  member  of  Philadelphia 
Monthly  Meeting  for  the  Southern  District ;  for  the  last 
twenty-seven,  that  of  the  Western  District;  and  for  the  in- 
tervening forty-two  years  she  belonged  to  the  one  for  the 
Northern  District.  Such  is  the  remarkable  record  of  the 
Friend  who  died  on  the  twenty -first  of  Eleventh  Month, 
1886,  aged  ninety-seven  years,  six  months  and  sixteen  days. 
In  both  intellect  and  character  she  occupied  a  high  place, 
and  of  her  life  it  may  be  said  that  it  did  no  discredit  to  her 
distinguished  and  worthy  ancestry.  She  died  at  the  home 
of  her  son,  Dr.  James  J.  Levick,  and  her  remains  were  in- 


22 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


terred  in  Friends'  Southwestern  Ground,  adjacent  to  those 
of  her  husband  and  their  daughter  Anna. 

Though  not  prominent  in  public  or  organized  work,  she 
was  much  beloved  by  a  large  circle  of  friends  who  looked 
upon  her  in  her  dignified  old  age  as  a  link  connecting  the 
past  with  the  present,  and  as  one  who  was  worthy  of  their 
respect  and  esteem  as  well  as  of  a  place  in  their  affections. 
Ancestry,  domestic  and  social  environment,  character,  in- 
tellect and  longevity  all  combine  to  render  Elizabeth  W. 
Levick  worthy  of  more  than  a  passing  notice. 


CHAPTER  III. 


CHILDHOOD  AND  YOUTH. 

From  his  ancestry,  his  parentage,  and  his  home  environ- 
ment, it  may  safely  be  said  that  Samuel  J.  Levick  had  a 
good  start  on  the  journey  of  life. 

That  he  appreciated  his  responsibilities,  improved  his  op- 
portunities, and  endeavored  to  turn  his  great  energy  into 
channels  of  usefulness,  will  appear  as  we  trace  his  course 
from  gladsome  childhood  to  buoyant  and  hopeful  youth, 
and  thence  through  the  different  stages  of  active  manhood 
to  the  close  of  a  full,  an  eventful,  and  in  the  main,  a  happy 
life. 


ELIZABETH   W.  LEVICK, 

TAKEN  ON  HER  90th  BIRTHDAY. 


CHILDHOOD    AND  YOUTH. 


23 


In  the  present  chapter  we  read  the  brief  account  of  his 
early  years,  and  though  there  are  but  few  way-marks  to 
guide  us,  we  feel  assured  from  many  of  his  later  expressions 
that  there  is  one  thread  to  be  traced  all  the  way  along  from 
infancy  to  manhood ; — obey  the  law  of  right  conduct — in- 
cluding obedience  to  parents  and  caretakers — rejoicing  in 
all  unforbidden  things,  until  a  higher  law  is  revealed  in  the 
soul;  and  then  keep  a  single  eye  to  its  revelations. 

Samuel  Jones  Levick  was  the  second  child  of  Ebenezer 
and  Elizabeth  W.  Levick,  and  was  born  on  the  thirtieth 
day  of  Eighth  Month,  1819.  The  place  of  his  birth  was 
the  house — long  since  removed — on  the  northwest  corner 
of  Second  and  Callowhill  Streets,  Philadelphia. 

His  mother  used  to  tell  of  his  early  attempts  at  both 
walking  and  talking,  and  we  learn  that  he  began  to  go  to 
school  before  he.  was  four  years  old.  It  is  thought  that  his 
first  teacher  was  Eliza  Janney,  who  was  assisted  by  her 
mother,  and  who,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  her  duty  to 
the  little  ones,  was  noted  for  being  strict.  Samuel  and  his 
brother  William  were  both  left-handed,  and  the  teacher  was 
most  persistent  in  her  efforts  to  correct  this  irregularity. 
When  they  were  learning  to  write  she  would  tie  a  piece  of 
red  flannel  around  the  hand  or  wrist,  in  order  that  they 
might  distinguish  the  right  from  the  left,  and  be  compelled 
to  use  the  former  in  holding  pencil  or  pen.  After  this  good 
start  upon  his  academic  career,  it  is  probable  that  he  at- 
tended the  schools  of  George  Glover,  of  Thomas  Branson, 


24 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


and  of  Daniel  Fuller;  and  that  he  was  accompanied  by  his 
brothers  William  and  James;  the  latter  of  whom  being 
several  years  his  junior  was  no  doubt  an  object  of  tender 
care  as  well  as  of  fraternal  affection.  One  who  was  an  inti- 
mate playmate  of  Samuel's  at  this  period,  spoke  of  him  as 
a  handsome,  rosy-cheeked  and  very  active  boy. 

In  the  Fifth  Month,  1832,  when  in  his  thirteenth  year,  he 
was  entered  a  pupil  at  Westtown  Boarding  School,  where 
he  remained — vacations  excepted — about  three  years. 

It  is  probable  that  he  entered  his  father's  counting-house 
soon  after  leaving  Westtown,  and  with  his  wonted  energy 
and  ability  applied  himself  to  the  acquisition  of  knowledge 
in  mercantile  pursuits.  By  a  member  of  the  family  we  are 
informed  that  he  was  an  early  riser,  and  that  it  was  his 
practice  to  go,  before  breakfast,  to  market  to  purchase  calf- 
skins from  the  farmers,  and  then  sell  them  to  the  firm.  By 
these  transactions  he  became  initiated  into  business  habits, 
at  the  same  time  that  he  was  earning  for  himself  some 
spending  money.  It  must  have  been  refreshing  to  the  far- 
mers to  see  this  rosy-cheeked,  healthy  and  hopeful  boy. 
corning  from  a  refined  home  at  those  early  morning  hours, 
and  in  his  frank,  outspoken  manner,  negotiating  with  them 
for  the  purchase  of  the  skins;  and  while  there  m*ay  have 
been  some  who  were  willing  to  take  advantage  of  his  youth, 
and  his  lack  of  experience,  yet  the  number  was  probably 
much  larger  that  would  enjoy  giving  a  generous  bargain  to 
the  frank  young  customer. 


CHILDHOOD    AND  YOUTH. 


25 


From  the  time  of  his  leaving  Westtown  until  he  began 
to  keep  a  diary  we  find  nothing  on  record  as  to  his  life,  but 
it  is  probable  that  he  was,  in  a  business  way,  occupied  with 
his  father,  and  as  the  oldest  son,  looking  toward  being  taken 
into  partnership  when  he  should  become  of  age.  Some  of 
his  later  writings  indicate  that  such,  at  that  time,  was  the 
intention  of  both  father  and  son.  At  home,  no  doubt,  he 
occupied  the  important  place  that  an  oldest  brother  usually 
does,  being  looked  up  to  as  an  example,  and  beloved  as  a 
dispenser  of  favors.  His  friends  and  associates,  outside  of 
the  family  circle,  we  may  imagine  were  objects  of  especial 
interest  to  him,  as  he  must  have  been  to  them ;  for  he  was 
of  a  social  disposition,  free  of  speech,  sympathetic  and  quite 
averse  to  concealment. 

Of  his  religious  impressions  during  the  very  important 
period — from  sixteen  to  nineteen  years  of  age — it  would  be 
instructive  as  well  as  desirable,  to  have  some  account;  but 
we  can  only  infer  from  later  manifestations,  that  he  was 
then  under  the  preparing  Hand,  and  that  all  things  were 
working  together  for  good  in  the  case  of  one  who — through 
a  walk  in  the  strait  and  narrow  way — developed  into  a 
highly  favored  Gospel  minister. 

Once,  in  a  public  testimony,  he  referred  to  an  incident 
belonging  to  this  period.  He  went  to  New  York  City  to 
transact  some  business  for  his  father,  in  that  district  known 
as  "  The  Swamp."  Just  before  entering  the  counting- 
house  of  the  first  merchant  that  he  was  to  call  on,  he  was 
2 


26 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


beset  by  a  temptation  to  depart  from  the  "  plain  language." 
He  permitted  the  reasoner  not  only  to  approach  him,  but  to 
persuade  him  that,  in  view  of  his  youth  and  of  tbe  seniority 
of  those  whom  he  expected  to  meet,  it  would  be  more  re- 
spectful to  address  them  with  the  usual  compliments,  &c. 
While  struggling  with  this  temptation,  there  was  presented 
to  his  spiritual  ear,  in  language  both  clear  and  emphatic, 
the  following  solemn  warning :  "  Choose  you  this  day 
whom  ye  will  serve!"  "If  the  Lord  be  God,  follow  Him  : 
but  if  Baal,  then  follow  him."  He  at  once  heeded  the 
warning,  obeyed  the  injunction,  made  the  choice,  and 
went  on  his  way  with  a  peaceful  mind.  On  entering  the 
counting-house  and  attending  to  the  required  business,  he 
adhered  closely  to  the  language  in  which  he  had  been 
educated,  and  was  never  more  courteously  treated  when 
engaged  in  a  business  transaction.  He  regarded  that  inci- 
dent as  a  turning-point  in  his  life,  and  as  a  test  of  loyalty  to 
his  convictions. 

On  another  occasion,  also  in  public  testimony,  he  spoke 
of  the  sacrifice  that  he  had  had  to  make  in  laying  aside  a 
diamond-pin.  It  seemed  a  small  thing,  and  quite  harmless 
— so  the  reasoner  usually  argues — but  he  found  that  his 
peace  consisted  in  taking  up  the  cross  and  turning  a  deaf 
ear  to  the  pleadings  of  the  enemy.  Here,  as  in  the  other 
instance,  he  was  abundantly  rewarded ;  and  by  such  experi- 
ences he  was  being  gently  disciplined  into  a  life  of  simple 
obedience  and  of  unreasoning  compliance  with  every  clear 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


27 


manifestation  of  duty.  In  later  life,  when  great  liberties 
were  granted  him  as  to  outward  things,  he  could  recur  to 
the  close  walking  and  the  strict  fidelity  of  his  early  years, 
and  receive  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  for  the  course 
pursued  at  both  these  periods  of  his  life. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


On  the  thirtieth  of  Eighth  Month,  1838,  Samuel  J.  Lev- 
ick  entered  upon  his  twentieth  year,  and  the  five  years 
which  follow  this  date  embrace  so  much  of  his  religious 
experience  that  the  period  might  almost  be  called  that  of 
his  spiritual  evolution. 

At  the  beginning  of  it  we  find  him  deeply  interested  in 
the  "  moral  reform"  movements  which  were  then  claiming 
so  much  of  the  attention  of  intelligent,  humane  and  progres- 
sive people,  and  which,  at  the  same  time,  were  arousing  a 
spirit  of  antagonism  that  found  vent  in  bitter  retort,  daring 
threats  and  frequent  acts  of  mob  violence.  Incendiary 
fires,  wilful  destruction  of  property,  and  even  loss  of  life, 
resulted  from  the  fearless  utterances  of  the  Abolitionists 
and  the  vengeful  spirit  of  their  opponents.  The  leaders  in 
these  reforms — and  most  especially  in  the  anti-slavery  cause 


28 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


— were  men  and  women  of  great  personal  courage  and  high 
moral  character,  while  their  intellectual  ability  was  unques- 
tioned, even  by  their  enemies.  Many  of  them,  however, 
were  "Ultraists,"  and  some  went  to  extremes  that  the  sober 
thought  of  after  years  could  hardly  justify,  and  that  many 
of  their  contemporaries  claimed  were  retarding,  rather  than 
advancing,  the  causes  which  they  were  so  zealously  advo- 
cating. 

Amid  the  turmoil  that  resulted  from  the  agitation  of  the 
"  reformers"  and  the  intolerance  of  their  combative  oppon- 
ents, the  Society  of  Friends  occupied  a  peculiar,  if  not  a 
unique  position.  They  had  washed  their  hands  from  the 
stain  of  slavery ;  they  were  opposed  to  all  warfare  with  car- 
nal weapons;  they  had  taken  an  advanced  position  in  the 
matter  of  abstinence  from  alcoholic  liquors,  and  they  were 
friends  and  helpers  to  the  poor  and  oppressed  of  all  classes. 
The  city  of  Philadelphia  had  long  been  noted  for  its  be- 
nevolent institutions,  and  some  of  the  most  efficient  and 
indefatigable  workers  in  these  were  Friends,  so  that,  of  the 
members  of  this  religious  denomination — they  object  to 
being  called  a  sect — it  might  almost  be  said  that  humanity, 
temperance  and  non-resistance  came  to  them,  as  did  their 
membership  in  the  Society,  by  birthright.  With  such  an 
inheritance,  and  with  a  training  favorable  to  morality  and 
humanity,  it  was  quite  natural  that  they  should  take  an 
interest  in  the  good  works  which  the  "  reformers"  were 
endeavoring  to  promote,  and  hence  it  was  that  in  both 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


branches  of  the  Society  were  to  be  fouud  many  young 
people — and  some  older  ones — who  attended  Anti-slavery 
and  Peace  Meetings,  and  some  who  joined  the  "Washing- 
tonians." 

Having  once  joined  any  of  these  societies,  the  tendency 
was  forward,  and  activity  in  one  seemed  to  prepare  the  way 
for  joining  another,  so  that  agitation  was  the  order  of  the 
day,  and  quietness  and  cautiousness  were  regarded  as  evi- 
dences of  apathy.  Many  zealous  ones — particularly  among 
the  young  Friends — were  earnest  in  their  appeals  to  their 
more  conservative  brethren  and  sisters  to  join  in  the  good 
work,  and  to  open  Friends'  meeting-houses  to  the  lecturers — 
mostly  from  New  England — who  were  traveling  through  the 
Middle  States.  To  these  appeals  the  staid  conservatives 
could  only  reply,  "We  favor  the  cause,  but  not  the  manner 
of  advocating  it,  or  the  means  employed  to  promote  it.  We 
are  a  peculiar  people,  and  while  we  appreciate  your  earnest- 
ness, and  fully  believe  in  your  sincerity,  we  cannot  advise 
our  members  to  join  these  organizations,  or  to  countenance 
them  by  attending  their  meetings." 

Such  were  the  existing  conditions,  in  and  out  of  the  So- 
ciety of  Friends,  when  the  subject  of  these  Memoirs  had 
attained  the  age  of  nineteen  years.  Being  ardent  of  tem- 
perament, quick  of  perception,  keenly  sympathetic,  and 
aglow  with  the  aspirations  of  early  manhood,  it  seemed  not 
only  natural,  but  highly  probable,  that  he  would  become 
interested  in  the  reformatory  movements  that  were  being 


30 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


started  or  advanced  in  his  native  city.  With  a  pure  heart, 
a  good  conscience,  excellent  physical  health,  and  great 
proneness  to  activity,  he  wanted  to  be  doing  something  for 
the  good  of  his  fellow-man.  Here  were  opportunities  by 
which  his  activity  could — as  he  then  thought — be  turned  to 
good  account,  and  he  was  not  only  ready,  but  eager  to 
embrace  them.  So,  as  might  be  expected,  we  find  him 
entering  heartily  into  the  great  work  of  "  Moral  Reform." 

On  the  first  day  of  the  year  1839,  Samuel  J.  Levick 
began  to  keep  a  diary,  and  for  nearly  two  years  he  made 
daily  entries  of  the  state  of  the  weather,  his  proceedings, 
his  observations,  or  his  reflections;  and  not  infrequently  we 
find  all  four  in  the  brief  space  (it  was  a  prepared  diary) 
allotted  to  one  day.  He  was  minute  in  his  records  of  the 
weather,  also  of  the  manner  in  which  he  had  employed  his 
time,  and,  while  living  in  the  city,  he  usually  noted  the 
time  of  his  getting  home  in  the  evening. 

This  record  gives  us  an  insight  into  the  society  or  organ- 
ized work  in  which  he  was  engaged,  and  furnishes  us  with 
the  names  of  his  co-workers  and  intimate  friends.  The 
reader  will  not  fail  to  observe  the  indications  of  his  spir- 
itual growth,  as  evinced  in  the  account  of  his  Gospel  labors 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  city  on  First-day  afternoons. 

A  few  of  the  early  entries  in  the  diary  are  given  nearly 
in  full,  and,  later  on,  selections  are  made  of  such  portions 
as  seem  to  indicate  his  development  during  these  two  years. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


31 


THE  DIARY. 

Third-day,  First  Month  1st,  1839.  In  the  morning,  clear 
and  cold.  Thermometer  at  nine  a.  m.  fifteen  degrees  above 
zero.  At  three  p.  M.  twenty-three  degrees.  The  Delaware 
fast  opposite  the  city.  Ice  very  thick.  The  evening  passed 
with  sundry  persons  at  Joseph  Price's.  Home  between  ten 
and  eleven. 

2nd.  In  the  morning  cloudy ;  snowed  some.  .  .  .  Ther- 
mometer at  nine  A.  m.  twenty-six  degrees.  Spent  the  even- 
ing at  a  meeting  of  Northern  Liberties  Anti-Slavery  So- 
ciety. Spoke  on  the  question — "  In  what  manner  would 
the  abolition  of  slavery  benefit  the  workingmen  of  the 
North?"    Home  a  little  after  ten  o'clock. 

3rd.  Morning  cloudy  and  warm.  Thermometer,  thirty- 
five  degrees.  In  the  evening  attended  the  meeting  of  our 
Philadelphia  Peace  Society,  held  in  the  Universalist  Church, 
on  Callowhill  Street.  Being  President,  I  introduced  to  the 
meeting  William  Ladd,  of  Maine,  who  delivered  an  address 
on  "  The  Forming  of  a  Congress  of  Nations."  Home  at 
nine  o'clock,  or  soon  after. 

4th.  A  general  thaw;  walking  very  bad.  In  the  evening 
attended  the  regular  meeting  of  the  Junior  Anti-Slavery 
Society.  Discussed  the  question,  "  Is  slave-holding  under 
all  circumstances,  sinful  ?"  I  took  the  affirmative.  Some 
excitement  was  produced  by  an  appeal  from  a  decision  of 
the  chair.    Home  between  ten  and  eleven. 


32 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


5th.  Thermometer  at  nine  a.  m.  thirty-four  degrees. 
Cleared  oft*  about  noon.  Spent  the  evening  at  Joseph 
Price's.  They  had  with  them  some  of  their  friends  from 
Wilmington,  and  some  who  reside  in  this  city.  It  was 
a  very  agreeable  company.  Home  between  ten  and  eleven 
o'clock. 

First-day,  6th.  Fine  morning.  Froze  a  little  in  the  night. 
Attended  North  Meeting,  at  which  I  arrived  late.  Sarah 
Hillman  appeared  in  supplication.  Afternoon,  wrote  a  letter 
to  a  friend;  then  Thomas  S.  Cavender  called  for  me,  and 
we  went  to  "  Little  Wesley  "  Methodist  Meeting.  After, 
their  service  had  concluded,  I  had  something  to  say  to  them 
by  way  of  encouragement,  and  I  felt  comforted  in  being 
with  them.  Took  tea  at  James  Mott's,  and  attended  Cherry 
Street  Meeting  in  the  evening. 

Second-day,  7th.  Cloudy  morning ;  froze  some  in  the 
night.  Received  from  Abby  Kelly,  of  Middlebury,  Vt.,  a 
letter,  introducing  Joseph  Wall  as  an  abolitionist,  ultraist, 
&c.  Passed  the  evening  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Man- 
agers of  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society.  I  was  appointed  on 
three  committees — Distribution,  Ways  and  Means,  and 
Moral  and  Intellectual  Improvement  of  the  Colored  People. 

Third-day,  8th.  A  very  mild  day,  like  spring.  The  tow- 
boats  brought  some  of  the  vessels  that  were  below,  up  as 
far  as  Walnut  Street  wharf,  and  took  one  down.  Ice  fast 
above.  Spent  the  evening  at  the  Colored  School,  held  for 
the  first  time  in  Sandiford  Hall,  to  which  it  had  been  re- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


33 


moved  from  Clarkson  Hall.  At  the  close  of  the  school  went 
home  with  M.  Paxson. 

Fourth-day,  9th.  Weather  colder,  and  wind  northwest. 
Took  a  number  of  publications  to  the  Northern  Liberties 
Anti-Slavery  Society.  Passed  the  evening  with  father  and 
mother  at  uncle  Samuel  Jones's  in  a  large  company.  It  was 
after  eleven  o'clock  when  we  arrived  at  home. 

Fifth-day,  10th.  Spent  the  evening  at  the  school  for 
colored  men,  under  our  charge.  After  school  stepped  into 
the  meeting  of  City  Anti-Slavery  Society.  On  my  way 
home  stopped  to  see  Thomas  Brown. 

First-day,  13th.  Went  with  Thomas  S.  Cavender  to 
Methodist  Meeting  on  Coates  Street.  Took  tea  at  Jesse 
Roberts's,  and  attended  Cherry  Street  Meeting  in  the  even- 
ing.   George  Truman  spoke. 

Third-day,  15th.  Spent  the  evening  in  writing,  and  in 
arranging  my  accounts  as  Treasurer  of  Junior  Anti-Slavery 
Societ}-. 

Fourth-day,  16th.  Spent  the  evening  at  the  meeting  of  the 
Northern  Liberties  Anti-Slavery  Society.  Discussion  as  on 
the  previous  evening.  Charles  C.  Burleigh  spoke  on  the 
affirmative  side. 

17th.  Went  to  our  school.  Spent  some  time,  and  then 
went  round  to  the  Workingmen's  Anti-Slavery  Meeting, 
addressed  by  L.  Peck.  After  distributing  some  papers 
there,  I  returned  to  our  school,  and  closed  it  by  reading 
from  the  National  Reader.    Came  part  way  home  with  T. 


34 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


S.  Cavender,  T.  Child,  L.  Peck,  George  Justice  and  Wm. 
Nichols. 

18th.  Spent  the  evening  at  the  meeting  of  the  Junior 
Anti-Slavery  Society.  Discussed  the  question,  "  Is  Intem- 
perance a  greater  evil  than  Slavery?"    I  took  the  negative. 

19th.  Passed  this  evening  at  T.  S.  Cavender's,  where  I 
met  the  Distributing  Committee.  R.  Johnson  and  T.  P. 
Ellis  in  attendance. 

First-day,  20th.  Went  down  town,  and  stepped  into  a 
meeting  of  colored  people  on  Little  Pine  Street.  Made  a 
few  remarks  after  their  service  had  closed. 

22nd.  Spent  the  evening  at  Jesse  Roberts's  in  company 
with  Ellen  Foulke.    A  very  pleasant  evening. 

23rd.  In  the  evening  a  discussion  at  the  Northern  Lib- 
erties Anti-Slavery  Society,  "  Ought  Slavery  to  be  Imme- 
diately Abolished  ?" 

25th.  Evening  at  the  Northern  Lyceum.  A  very  rainy 
day. 

First-day,  27th.  At  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning 
and  Cherry  Street  in  the  evening.  The  heavy  rain  of  yes- 
terday caused  the  water  in  the  Schuylkill  to  rise  to  a  height 
not  known  to  have  been  surpassed  for  a  period  dating  as 
far  back  as  1798.  The  damage  to  merchandise,  shipping 
and  buildings,  has  been  very  great.  The  Baltimore  &  Phila- 
delphia R.  R.  bridge  was  carried  away. 

29th.  At  our  school  for  colored  men,  met  Joseph  Parrish, 
Jr.,  and  R.  Knight. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


35 


30th.  Spent  the  evening  at  the  Menagerie,  in  company 
with  several  young  friends.  I  felt  as  if  I  could  not  approve 
of  the  practice  of  confining  the  beasts,  and  depriving  them 
of  those  rights  which  their  Creator  gave  them  to  enjoy. 

Second  Month  1st.  Spent  the  evening  at  the  Junior 
Anti-Slavery  Society.  A  fine,  large  meeting.  I  made  a 
few  remarks. 

3rd.  In  the  morning  at  Green  Street  Meeting,  and  heard 
a  sermon  from  Stephen  Treadwell.  Afternoon,  in  company 
with  Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.,  attended  the  colored  Baptist  Meet- 
ing. Had  a  very  satisfactory  time.  Took  tea  at  Aunt  Mary 
Dolby's,  and  went  to  Cherry  Street  Meeting  in  the  evening. 
Heard  a  great  sermon  from  Stephen  Treadwell. 

4th.  In  the  evening  went  to  the  meeting  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  of  the  Peace  Society,  and  then  to  the  managers' 
meeting  of  the  Northern  Liberties  Anti-Slavery  Society. 

5th.    At  the  meeting  of  the  County  Anti-Slavery  Society. 

6th.  Went  with  Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.,  to  the  meeting  of 
the  Association  of  Friends  for  Pleading  the  Cause  of  the 
Slave. 

7th.  Spent  the  evening  partly  at  J.  Roberts's,  and  then 
went  to  our  school  for  colored  men.  After  its  close  met 
the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society, 
and  Committee  for  Improving  the  Moral  and  Intellectual 
Condition  of  Colored  People.    It  met  at  Enoch  Lewis's. 

8th.  Died,  this  day,  Jonathan  Evans,  an  elder  in  the 
Society  of  Friends. 


36 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


9th.  Passed  the  evening  partly  at  the  Northern  Lyceum, 
and  the  remainder  at  J.  Roberts's  in  company  with  my 
friend,  Ellen  Foulke. 

10th.  At  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning,  and 
heard  Daniel  Wheeler,  from  England.  He  preached  an  ex- 
cellent sermon ;  a  real  old-fashioned  Quaker  sermon,  calling 
Friends  to  the  light  of  Christ  in  their  own  hearts.  In  the 
afternoon  at  Union  Methodist  Meeting  on  Coates  Street. 
In  the  evening  at  Cherry  Street,  where  John  Jackson 
preached  a  powerful  sermon. 

15th.  The  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society  had  a  stated  dis- 
cussional  meeting.  A  number  of  unruly  boys  and  men 
manifested  a  disposition  to  disturb  us,  but  we  were  not 
prevented  from  going  on  with  our  meeting.  While  I  was 
speaking,  an  attempt  was  made  to  interrupt,  but  I  heeded  it 
not. 

17th.  At  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning.  In  the 
afternoon,  went  to  the  Zore  Methodist  Meeting,  where  I 
had  a  satisfactory  time. 

19th.  In  the  evening,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Philadelphia 
Peace  Society  —  a  small  gathering,  but  some  discussion. 
When  will  the  people  of  this  so-called  Christian  land  be 
aroused  to  the  importance  of  this  subject? 

20th.  This  evening  attended  a  lecture  at  the  meeting- 
house of  our  colored  friends  on  St.  Mary's  Street. 

21st.  This  evening,  while  at  J.  Price's  I  heard  an  alarm 
of  fire.    I  ran  with  the  United  States  Engine  Company,  and 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


37 


assisted  in  putting  it  out.  Home  soon  after  nine  o'clock, 
and  put  on  dry  clothing. 

23rd.    Was  elected  Secretary  at  the  Northern  Lyceum. 

24th.  At  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning  and 
Cherry  Street  in  the  evening.  In  the  afternoon  went  to  the 
"  Little  Wesley  "  Meeting,  and  heard  an  excellent  sermon 
from  a  colored  friend,  named  Harris.  I  spoke  to  them, 
calling  their  attention  to  the  great  evils  that  are  covering 
our  brethren  in  Small  Street.  Tried  to  induce  them  to 
take  some  measures  to  reclaim  these  erring  ones.  I  had  a 
very  satisfactory  time  with  them. 

28th.    Our  colored  school  closed  for  the  season. 

Third  Month  1st.  Our  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society  had 
an  enthusiastic  meeting,  and  a  very  large  one.  The  cause 
«s  progressing  with  rapid  strides,  and  we  are  gratified  to 
think  that  ere  long  the  day  will  come  when  the  whole  North 
will  rise  up  in  judgment  against  slavery. 

2nd.  Went  to  Wilmington  in  company  with  Joseph 
Parrish,  Jr.,  and  lodged  at  Samuel  Smith's  with  our  friend 
Thomas  Foulke,  who  is  a  teacher  in  Samuel's  school. 

3rd.  Attended  Wilmington  Meeting;  visited  at  Benja- 
min Ferris's  and  Samuel  Woolstan's  and  then  returned  to 
Samuel  Smith's.  Our  visit  has  been  a  delightful  one,  and 
I  believe  it  may  have  a  good  effect,  as  the  subject  of  non- 
resistance  was  discussed,  and  its  benefits  made  known. 

5th.    Went  to  the  Marshall  Debating  Society,  where  the 


38 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


question  was  discussed,  "  Ought  slavery  to  be  immediately 
abolished  ?" 

11th.  Spent  the  evening  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  of  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society,  at  which  was  of- 
fered a  resolution  authorizing  two  of  our  members  —  if  it 
should  be  found  necessary — to  wait  on  the  Mayor  and  re- 
quest him  to  send  some  of  his  officers  to  protect  our  meet- 
ing and  keep  order,  and  for  us  to  recompense  them  if 
thought  proper.  The  resolution  was  adopted.  I  am  very 
much  opposed  to  it. 

14th.  Passed  the  evening  at  a  meeting  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Peace  Society ;  but  the  cause  seems  to  have  very  few 
advocates  in  this  city.  Five  members  and  six  spectators 
composed  the  meeting,  although  the  notice  of  it  had  been 
published  in  two  of  the  most  widely  circulated  newspapers* 
in  the  city. 

17th.  At  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning.  After 
dinner  went  down  town  among  some  of  my  colored  breth- 
ren and  sisters,  and  talked  to  them  of  the  impropriety  of 
certain  courses  that  they  were  pursuing.  Stayed  their  meet- 
ing at  "Little  Wesley."  Having  heard  that  there  was  to 
be  a  meeting  in  Small  Street,  I  went  there,  and  found 
a  large  gathering,  composed  of  those  who  are  debased  in 
sin.  They  had  congregated  to  hear  what  the  Lord,  through 
his  servant,  would  have  to  say.  Oh !  what  a  satisfactory 
time  we  had ;  it  was  a  season  of  thankfulness  to  me,  for  I 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


39 


feel  as  if  some  good  has  been  done,  and  that  there  is  great 
cause  for  encouragement  in  this  work. 

19th.  Attended  Preparative  Meeting  at  Sixth  Street,  and 
presented — on  behalf  of  the -Female  Anti-Slavery  Society — 
a  request  for  the  use  of  the  Meeting  House  for  holding  a 
Convention  of  American  Women.  It  met  with  great  oppo- 
sition ;  not  one  word  being  said  in  favor  of  it.  I  was  in- 
duced to  rise  myself;  being  the  first  time  that  I  ever  spoke 
in  a  Friends'  Meeting.  Our  English  Friend,  Robinson, 
being  there,  came  to  me  after  meeting  and  spoke  encour- 
agingly to  me.  In  the  evening  attended  a  meeting  for  eol- 
ord  persons,  at  Cherry  Street  Meeting  House.  It  had  been 
called  by  Lucretia  Mott  and  D.  Coates. 

22nd.  In  the  evening  at  the  Reading  Association  at  Dr. 
Joseph  Parrish's.  Had  a  very  pleasant  time,  and  became  a 
member.    Home  at  half-past  ten. 

24th.  At  Sixth  Street,  in  the  morning,  and  in  the  after- 
noon went  down  to  Small  Street,  collected  some  people 
hastily,  and  read  to  them  for  over  an  hour.  Took  supper 
at  James  Fortun's,  and  then  went  to  our  meeting  on  Small 
Street,  where  we  had  a  very  satisfactory  time. 

26th.  This  evening  at  a  meeting  amongst  some  of  our 
poor  and  debased  colored  people,  residing  on  Small  Street 
and  vicinity. 

28th.  Was  at  Green  Street  Meeting,  and  witnessed  the 
marriage  of  Henry  T.  Child  and  Anna  R.  Pickering.  Signed 
my  name  to  the  certificate  as  a  witness. 


40 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


29th.  Attended  an  evening  meeting  at  Cherry  Street, 
appointed  by  Stephen  Treadwell,  for  the  young  people.  He 
preached  a  powerful  sermon.  Called  at  George  Truman's 
to  see  Stephen,  and  had  conversation  with  him  on  various 
subjects. 

30th.  Having  heard  that  Clementine  Roberts  [daughter 
of  Jesse]  was  very  ill,  I  went  up  there  and  spent  the  even- 
ing. Found  her  very  low  indeed.  Did  not  expect  to  see 
her  again  this  side  of  eternity.  Little  did  we  think  a  few 
months  ago  that  she  would  so  soon  be  called  to  render  her 
final  account.    Time  for  her  has  been  short. 

31st.  After  attending  meeting  at  Sixth  Street,  called  to 
see  how  Clementine  was  ;  found  her  more  easy.  I  asked 
her  if  she  knew  me;  she  said  "yes!"  and  having  hold  of 
her  hand,  she  raised  it  up  and  said  "  farewell !"  The  last 
farewell  from  one  as  young  as  myself  impressed  me  forcibly 
with  the  frailty  of  physical  life,  and  with  the  truth  of  the 
expression,  "  The  3*oung  may  die." 

Passed  the  afternoon  happily  with  my  poor  colored  broth- 
ers and  sisters  who  reside  in  the  dens  of  vice  and  infamy. 
I  read  and  explained  to  them,  and  then  pleaded  with  them 
as  to  the  importance  of  making  peace  with  God,  ere  death 
shall  cut  them  oft'.  Being  without  help  outwardly,  I  had 
considerable  difficulty  in  collecting  them;  but  by  persever- 
ing I  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  room  filled  in  a  short 
time  after  I  began  to  read ;  and  it  was  a  source  of  thankful- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


41 


ness  unto  our  Heavenly  Father.  "  The  harvest  truly  is 
plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are  few." 

Fourth  Month  1st.  This  morning  about  rive  o'clock 
Clementine  Roberts  departed  this  life,  aged  twenty-one 
years.  Thus  we  find  that  "in  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in 
death."  In  the  evening  went  to  Manayunk  to  speak  on 
behalf  of  the  slave,  in  a  discussion.  Charles  C.  Burleigh 
was  there,  and  spoke  well.  Distributed  a  number  of  the 
"Penna.  Freeman,"  extra. 

3rd.  In  the  afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Clementine. 
The  interment  was  at  the  Western  Ground. 

6th.  In  the  afternoon  procured  tracts  to  be  distributed 
among  our  colored  brethren.  In  the  evening  heard  a  very 
interesting  lecture  by  Jos.  R.  Chandler,  at  the  Northern 
Lyceum. 

Fourth  Month  7th.  A  fine  warm  morning.  Thermome- 
ter sixty  degrees  at  nine  o'clock.  Attended  Sixth  Street 
Meeting  in  the  forenoon,  and  after  dinner  went  with  Joseph 
Parrish,  Jr.,  among  the  most  debased  of  our  colored  brethren 
and  sisters,  who  reside  in  the  vicinity  of  Small  Street.  We 
had  about  thirty  of  them  collected,  and  after  some  reading, 
talked  to  them  of  the  importance  of  a  change  of  life ;  en- 
couraging those  who  had  determined  to  do  better,  to  proceed 
on  their  upward  course.  My  friend  Joseph  had  considera- 
ble to  say.  My  heart  is  made  glad  in  being  with  these  peo- 
ple, and  I  feel  encouraged  to  prosecute  the  work.  Oh !  that 
there  were  more,  who  would  be  willing  to  assist  in  it.  In 
3 


42 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


the  evening  we  went  to  Joshua  Hallowell's,  and  to  Emmor 
Kimbers',  where  we  met  with  several  of  our  brethren  in  the 
anti-slavery  cause,  and  passed  an  agreeable  evening. 

10th.  Left  this  morning  for  Boston,  via  New  York  where 
I  arrived  about  two  o'clock.  Passed  nearly  three  hours 
running  about  town,  and  then  embarked  on  the  steamer 
"  John  W.  Richmond,"  for  Providence.  The  passage  was  a 
rough  one,  but  the  quickest  ever  made  by  this  boat  from 
New  York  to  Providence,  via  Newport.. 

11th.  Arrived  in  Providence  a  little  after  five  o'clock, 
and  took  the  train  for  Boston,  which  we  reached  soon  after 
seven.  Attended  to  considerable  business  during  the  fore- 
noon, and  after  dinner  took  the  train  for  Lynn,  arriving 
there  about  half-past  three  o'clock.  Took  tea  at  Ezra 
Baker's,  and  in  the  evening  went  to  an  Anti-Slavery  meet- 
ing which  was  addressed  by  Wendel  Phillips,  Oliver  John- 
son and  Isaac  Collins.    Went  home  with  James  P.  Boyce. 

12th.  A  stormy  morning,  and  I  passed  it  in  walking 
about  among  the  shoe  men  of  Lynn.  Dined  at  Nathan 
Breed's,  and  took  tea  at  D.  Chase's,  returning  to  James 
Boyce's  to  lodge. 

13th.  Went  to  Boston  and  attended  to  some  business, 
also  met  Edward  Quincy,  Maria  W.  Chapman,  and  several 
others.  Returned  to  Lynn  in  the  afternoon,  and  visited  at 
Ezra  Baker's. 

14th.  Stormed  all  day.  Attended  Friends'  Meeting  at 
Lynn,  both  morning  and  afternoon.    Dined  at  William  Bas- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


43 


sett's  and  supped  at  Daniel  Johnson's.  Passed  a  very  agree- 
able evening. 

15th.  At  ten  o'clock  took  leave  of  my  kind  friends,  and 
went  to  Boston,  which  I  left  at  four  o'clock  by  train  for 
Stonington,  Conn.  It  was  half-past  eight  when  we  boarded 
the  boat  for  New  York.  Spent  the  evening,  till  about 
eleven  o'clock,  in  conversation  with  a  Southern  man,  upon 
the  evil  effects  of 'slavery  and  the  remedy  for  it.  Our  steam- 
er, the  "  Rhode  Island,"  arrived  in  New  York  about  six 
o'clock.  Before  breakfast  took  a  view  of  New  York,  and 
found  it  to  be  a  great  city.    Breakfasted  at  City  Hotel. 

16th.  Attended  to  some  business  in  New  York,  and  at 
forty-five  minutes  after  four  in  the  afternoon,  embarked  for 
Philadelphia,  where  I  arrived  at  half-past  eleven  o'clock,  in 
company  with  Isaac  Bassett,  of  Lynn. 

17th.  Attended  a  sitting  of  our  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
spent  a  part  of  the  evening  at  home  in  company  with  L.  B. 
Peirce  and  James  Bruff. 

18th.  Attended  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning 
and  heard  some  excellent  preaching;  it  might  have  been 
called  real  Quaker  doctrine.  Went  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  in 
the  afternoon,  and  heard  from  the  Committee  on  Slavery  an 
excellent  report;  but  it  was  too  close — especially  in  regard 
to  the  use  of  the  products  of  slave  labor — for  Friends  gen- 
erally ;  and  it  could  not  be  adopted.  After  considerable 
discussion  it  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Epistles. 
How  sorrowful  it  is  to  me  to  find  such  a  bowing  at  the 


44 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


shrine  of  Mammon.  We  do  not  serve  our  God  who  made 
Heaven  and  earth,  but  we  serve  the  god  of  this  world,  and 
to  him  we  bow  down  continually. 

J  9th.  Attended  the  afternoon  session  of  Yearly  Meeting, 
which  closed  it  for  this  year.  It  was  a  very  satisfactory 
occasion,  and  a  minute  was  read  and  adopted  concerning 
slavery. 

20th.  Spent  the  evening  at  the  Northern  Lyceum.  The 
question  discussed  was  "  Which  tends  more  to  the  advance- 
ment of  Literature,  a  Monarchical  or  a  Republican  form  of 
Government  ?" 

21st.  Attended  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning 
and  heard  Joseph  John  Gurney  preach.  He  intimated  his 
being  about  to  leave  us.  In  the  afternoon  Rowland  John- 
son and  I  visited  Small  Street,  and  oh,  how  we  mourned 
over  the  degradation,  ignorance  and  vice  of  these  poor  peo- 
ple !  Our  hearts'  desire  is  that  God  may  continue  to  send 
laborers  into  this  field.  We  were  strengthened  by  a  friend 
who  came  to  join  us,  and  although  differing  a  little  in  re- 
ligious views,  we  can  unite  in  our  efforts  in  this  wide  field 
of  labor. 

22nd.  Spent  the  evening  at  our  Peace  Society  Meeting, 
and  heard  one  of  the  best  of  lectures  on  non-resistance.  It 
was  delivered  hy  Henry  C.  Wright.  Oh !  may  there  be 
more  who  are  willing  to  labor  in  this  field,  for,  as  it  seems 
to  me,  it  is  one  of  our  Heavenly  Father's  planting ! 

27th.    Spent  the  evening  partly  in  going  to  a  fire,  and 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


45 


the  remainder  at  M.  Oram's,  in  company  with  sundry  friends 
of  the  cause  of  the  slave. 

28th.  At  Cherry  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning,  and  in 
the  afternoon  in  company  with  John  Jackson,  attended  the 
funeral  of  Deborah  Moulson.  John  spoke  at  the  grave. 
On  my  return  stopped  at  Small  Street.  I  had  considerable 
to  say  there,  and  had  to  come  out  plainly  concerning  those 
rum-selling  shops,  and  to  caution  the  people  against  going 
into  them.  A  little  tenderness  was  manifested  by  some; 
may  they  be  aroused  and  reclaimed  from  their  terrible  con- 
dition. 

29th.  After  dinner  took  brother  James  and  Richard  L. 
Bruff  to  Westtown  Boarding  School.  Arrived  there  about 
dark,  and  passed  the  evening  with  the  teachers.  Had  some 
very  interesting  conversation  upon  non-resistance,  and  left 
with  them  a  number  of  papers  for  their  perusal. 

Fifth  Month  1st.  Visited  the  colored  public  school,  on 
Sixth  Street  near  Lombard,  and  was  truly  delighted  to  see 
so  many  children  there  deriving  benefits  of  which  their 
parents  had  been  so  unjustly  deprived.  Spent  the  evening 
at  the  Association  of  Friends  for  Promoting  the  Abolition 
of  Slavery,  and  the  Improvement  of  the  Free  People  of 
Color.    It  was  an  excellent  meeting. 

3rd.  The  Anti-Slavery  Convention  of  American  Wom- 
en, who  have  had  their  meeting  this  week,  held  their  ses- 
sions in  a  riding-school,  the  only  place  which  they  could 


46 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


procure;  the  meeting-houses  ot'  Friends  being  applied  for, 
but  refused. 

4th.  Evening.  Meeting  of  the  Northern  Lyceum.  A 
lecture  from  Rufus  Jones  upon  the  "  Dangers  besetting 
Republicanism  in  the  United  States." 

5th.  Attended  Cherry  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning 
with  Christopher  Robinson,  of  Lynn.  Had  an  excellent 
meeting.  In  the  afternoon  took  him  to  Bethel,  and  my 
friend,  Rowland,  and  myself  repaired  to  our  meeting  on 
Small  Street.  My  esteemed  brother  was  called  to  labor 
with  a  forsaken  soul,  who  was  visited  with  sickness  in  a 
dismal  cellar.  Oh !  we  know  not  the  amount  of  suffering 
these  poor  people  endure !  "Where  are  the  Samaritans, 
who  should  be  pouring  the  oil  into  their  wounds  ?  Spent 
the  evening  at  a  meeting  on  Callowhill  Street  wharf,  ap- 
pointed by  John  Jackson  and  George  Truman.  It  was  a 
satisfactory  opportunity. 

6th.  A  number  of  our  friends  left  Philadelphia  this 
morning  to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  "  American  States 
Society,"  to  be  held  in  New  York.  In  the  evening  met  the 
Education  Committee  of  Friends'  Association  for  Pleading 
the  Cause  of  the  Slave ;  then  went  to  a  meeting  of  the  Board 
of  the  Northern  Liberties  Anti-Slavery  Society. 

7th.  Attending  to  business,  also  to  matters  pertaining  to 
Anti-Slavery.  In  the  evening  at  the  County  Anti-Slavery 
Meeting. 

9th.    Purchased  some  free  sugar  at  Lydia  White's. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


47 


10th.  Had  the  company  of  my  friend,  James  Boyce,  and 
later  that  of  William  Oliver,  from  Lynn,  Mass.  In  the 
evening  William  and  I  were  at  the  Exchange,  at  J).  Cool- 
ey's,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Moral 
Reform  Society,  at  the  Chinese  Museum,  and  then  made  a 
call  on  Robert  Smith,  Editor  of  The  Friend,  after  which  we 
came  home. 

12th.  First-day,  attended  Cherry  Street  Meeting,  it  be- 
ing the  week  of  their  Yearly  Meeting.  H-ad  an  excellent 
meeting.  In  the  afternoon  accompanied  two  Friends  to 
our  meeting  on  Small  Street.  Had  a  large  gathering  for 
the  place ;  the  people  listened  with  close  attention.  I  said 
a  little  at  the  close.  In  the  evening  went  with  T.  M'C,  to 
his  appointed  meeting  at  Bethel ;  it  was  large  and  interest- 
ing. 

13th.  In  the  evening  attended  a  meeting  of  the  County 
Anti-Slavery  Society,  held  in  Clarkson  Hall.  A  good  deal 
of  feeling  for  the  slave  was  manifested. 

14th.  Evening  meeting  of  the  Association  of  Friends  for 
Pleading  the  Cause  of  the  Slave. 

15th.  With  T.  M'C,  at  the  "Brick  Wesley"  Methodist 
Meeting,  he  having  a  desire  to  be  with  our  colored  brethren 
and  sisters  at  their  worship. 

16th.  This  evening  with  T.  M'C,  at  the  Union  Colored 
Meeting  on  Coates  Street.  Full  meeting  and  a  satisfactory 
time. 

17th.    This  day  is  the  anniversary  of  the  burning  of 


48 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Pennsylvania  Hall  by  a  mob.  In  tbe  evening  we  bad  a 
full  meeting  of  tbe  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society.  It  was 
addressed  by  C.  C.  Burleigb. 

18tb.  In  the  evening  at  the  Northern  Lyceum.  Small 
meeting. 

19th.  Attended  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning, 
and  in  the  afternoon  repaired  as  usual  to  Small  Street.  Al- 
though outwardly  alone,  I  had  strength  from  above,  and, 
after  having  read  a  little  from  the  Bible,  I  was  led  to  speak 
to  the  people  for  a  length  of  time,  to  the  peace  of  my  own 
mind.  I  distributed  a  number  of  tracts  among  them,  and 
then  went  to  St.  Mary's  Street,  where  I  had  some  interest- 
ing conversation  with  these  poor  people,  for  whom  my  heart 
yearns. 

20th  and  21st.  Attending  the  State  Anti-Slavery  Meet- 
ing at  Norristown.  When  the  subject  of  political  action  was 
brought  up,  I  spoke  at  some  length.  The  resolution  favor- 
ing such  action  was  laid  upon  the  table. 

22nd.  Passed  the  evening  at  Joseph  Price's,  and  had  a 
quiet,  satisfactory  visit,  marked  with  a  considerable  degree 
of  seriousness.  I  felt  quite  dull  on  account  of  the  many 
things  I  see  which  wound  my  feelings.  Oh,  these  cities ! 
The  wickedness,  suffering  and  affliction  that  abound  are 
saddening  to  contemplate. 

23rd.  This  evening  at  Benedict  Dorsey's.  The  conver- 
sation was  upon  subjects  of  vital  importance  to  the  human 
soul. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


49 


24th.  At  William  Dorsey's  in  the  evening.  It  was 
passed  in  a  rational  manner,  much  to  my  satisfaction. 

25th.  At  Samuel  Henzey's  this  evening.  It  was  a  so- 
cial, friendly  opportunity.  I  have  passed  these  four  even- 
ings with  my  friends,  feeling  it  was  my  duty  thus  to  mingle 
with  them  socially  and  converse  upon  matters  of  weighty 
importance. 

26th.  Attended  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning. 
In  the  afternoon  went  down  among  the  people  in  the  south- 
ern part  of  our  city.  Felt  induced  to  call  some  together  in 
a  yard  on  Small  Street.  A  woman  residing  in  the  next 
house  came  and  ordered  us  out.  I  went  out  and  waited, 
and,  after  some  time,  the  so-called  owner  of  the  property 
came  and  opened  it.  I  commenced  speaking,  and  in  a  little 
while  the  people  began  to  collect.  After  a  number  had 
come  in,  the  same  woman  that  had  ordered  me  out  came 
up  and  commenced  pushing  me.  I  continued  speaking, 
and  soon  she  left  me  for  a  time,  and  then  came  back  with  a 
rattan  in  her  hand,  but  she  did  not  use  it,  only  pushed  me, 
and  continued  doing  so  until  I  was  in  the  street.  Here  I 
spoke  for  some  time,  warning  the  people  to  "  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come,"  and  exhorting  them  to  turn  unto  Christ, 
the  Light  within  them.  After  I  had  spoken  some  time,  an 
individual  who  kept  a  rum-shop  came  up  and  pushed  me 
out  into  the  street.  But  I  had  already  said  what  I  had  to 
say.  Some  of  my  hearers  took  offense  at  the  man's  rough 
treatment  of  me,  and  they  would  have  quarreled,  but  I 


50 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


interfered,  and  insisted  that  they  should  not  disturb  one 
another.    The  Lord's  power  preserved  me. 

29th.  In  the  afternoon  started  for  Richland  in  company 
with  John  C.  Lester,  who  had  invited  me  to  go  home  with 
him.  We  stopped  over  night  at  Job  Mather's,  at  Whit- 
pain,  where  we  passed  a  pleasant  evening. 

30th.  Proceeded  on  the  journey,  traveling  slowly  and 
conversing  upon  important  subjects.  When  we  arrived  at 
Quakertown  I  stopped  at  John  Foulke's,  where  the  evening 
was  passed  agreeably  and  instructively. 

31st.  Attended  Richland  Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends 
(not  our  branch),  where  I  was  considerably  tried  in  mind 
concerning  so  many  cases  of  acknowledgment  for  marrying 
out  of  the  Society. 

Sixth  Month  1st.  Came  to  the  city  in  company  with  E. 
Foulke.  We  had  a  pleasant  journey  of  six  and  a  half 
hours.  In  the  evening  went  to  the  Lyceum  and  attended 
to  my  duties  as  secretary. 

2nd.  At  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning,  and  in 
the  afternoon  visited  our  colored  friends  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  city.  I  gave  them  some  advice,  and  I  hope  it 
was  given  in  a  proper  spirit.  Those  who  collected  in  our 
meeting  were  addressed  to  the  peace  of  my  mind.  My 
friend,  Dillwyn  Jones,  was  with  me. 

4th.  In  the  evening  at  Commissioners'  Hall,  hearing 
Joshua  Coffin  give  an  account  of  his  journey  to  and  from 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


51 


Memphis,  Term.,  where  he  went  to  bring  back  a  colored 
man  who  had  been  kidnapped  from  New  York. 

6th.  Left  the  city  at  eight  o'clock  in  company  with  Re- 
becca and  Lydia  Price,  for  Wilmington,  Del.  We  went  to 
attend  the  marriages  of  the  two  sisters,  Catharine  and  Eliz- 
abeth Woolston.  The  former  was  wedded  to  Ellwood  Ga- 
net  and  the  latter  to  Albert  Smith.  It  was  eleven  o'clock 
when  we  arrived  in  Wilmington,  and  on  getting  to  the 
meeting  it  was  too  late  to  witness  the  ceremonies.  We 
dined  at  the  wedding  house,  also  spent  the  evening  there, 
with  about  one  hundred  invited  guests.  An  agreeable 
time. 

9th.  Attended  Darby  Meeting,  where  John  Jackson  was 
much  favored  in  the  ministry.  In  the  afternoon  came  back 
to  the  city  and  stopped  in  the  lower  part.  Had  a  satisfac- 
tory opportunity  at  the  house  of  a  white  woman  who  sells 
liquor.  Then  attended  our  meeting  on  Small  Street,  and 
afterwards  went  to  Shippen  Street  and  addressed  a  number 
who  had  collected  in  a  short  time. 

13th.  On  visiting  a  sick  person  in  Small  Street,  I  heard 
of  a  meeting  this  evening  at  "Brick  Wesley."  I  went 
there,  and  was  so  much  exercised  in  mind  that  I  found  I 
could  not  leave  without  throwing  off  my  concern  by  stand- 
ing up  publicly  and  proclaiming  unto  the  people  what  the 
Lord  gave  me  to  say.  After  doing  so  I  was  relieved,  and 
went  home  praising  the  Lord. 

15th.    Went  to  Burlington  in  company  with  Joseph  Par- 


52 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


rish,  Jr.,  and  on  the  boat  met  with  several  friends.  Among 
them  were  Sarah  Grimke,  Angelina  G.  Weld,  J.  Healy, 
John  G.  Whittier  and  Ebenezer  Hughes.  J.  P.  and  myself 
made  a  visit  at  the  home  of  his  grandfather,  John  Cox,  at 
Ox  Mead. 

16th.  Joseph  and  myself  attended  a  colored  meeting. 
It  is  called  "  Mount  Moriah  Church."  We  heard  an  excel- 
lent discourse  from  a  Friend  named  Robert  Evans,  and 
each  of  us  had  something  to  say.  My  mind  was  much  re- 
lieved. 

18th.  Spent  the  evening  at  a  meeting  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Peace  Society. 

20th.  Passed  part  of  the  evening  at  Joseph  Price's,  in 
company  with  Albert  Smith  and  wife,  and  gave  to  the 
bride  some  verses  that  I  wrote  for  her,  on  her  leaving  for 
Poughkeepsie. 

21st.  Heard  Thomas  S.  Cavender  deliver  an  address  on 
"  Slavery,"  before  the  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society. 

23rd.  Went  this  morning  to  a  little  meeting  of  Friends 
who  assemble  at  the  house  of  one  of  their  number,  on 
William  Street,  and  hold  a  meeting  every  First-day.  They 
are  colored,  and  the  one  who  first  called  the  meeting  had 
applied  to  be  taken  into  membership  with  Friends  at  our 
Meeting.  His  application  being  refused,  he  got  his  friends 
to  join  him,  and  hence  their  present  meeting  to  themselves. 
In  the  afternoon  Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.,  and  self  went  down 
into  the  southern  part  of  the  city,  where  we  were  joined  by 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


50 


Susan  Grew  and  Almira  Oram,  who  were  a  great  acquisi- 
tion to  us  in  our  work.  I  was  instrumental  in  preventing 
two  white  men  from  injuring  each  other  in  a  fight.  We 
went  around  to  Seventh  Street,  below  Shippen,  where  we 
beheld  objects  that  were  soul-sickening.  While  we  were 
collecting  the  people,  our  sisters  read  to  them.  Then  I  had 
a  good  deal  to  communicate  unto  them,  in  the  love  of  God, 
warning  them,  and  calling  them  unto  Christ,  their  Re- 
deemer and  their  Saviour.  Almira  then  appeared  in  sup- 
plication, and  we  separated  in  the  love  of  God.  Returned 
to  our  meeting-place  in  Small  Street,  where  I  had  some 
service  to  perform  for  the  Lord,  much  to  the  peace  of  my 
mind. 

26th.  In  the  afternoon  rode  out  to  the  home  of  William 
Rhoads  and  family,  at  Newtown,  Delaware  County,  for  the 
purpose  of  seeing  the  place  and  the  people  [with  a  view 
to  going  there  to  learn  farming].  They  treated  me  very 
kindly  and  I  remained  with  them  over  night. 

28th.  In  the  evening  at  the  Northern  Liberties  Anti- 
Slavery  Meeting.  It  was  orderly  until  near  the  close,  when 
there  was  some  confusion. 

30th.  Attended  Sixth  Street  Meeting  in  the  morning, 
and  in  the  afternoon  went  down  to  the  field  of  our  labors, 
in  company  with  Rowland  Johnson  and  Edmund  Benson. 
On  our  arrival  we  met  Mark  Bradway,  Almira  Oram  and 
Susan  Grew.  In  visiting  at  one  of  the  houses  I  found  a 
sick  man  to  whom  I  was  led  to  speak  of  the  necessity  of  a 


54  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

preparation  for  another  life.  I  then  felt  drawn  into  prayer 
on  behalf  of  himself  and  family.  Our  friends  collected  a 
number  on  the  street,  and  to  these  I  was  led  to  speak  in  a 
voice  of  warning,  "  To  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come."  It 
was  a  quiet  and  satisfactory  meeting.  After  this  went  to  a 
vacant  lot  on  Seventh  Street  below  Shippen,  where  our  sis- 
ters read  to  the  people  while  they  were  collecting,  and  then 
there  was  a  time  of  silence.  At  length  I  arose,  and  was 
strengthened  to  give  them  a  word  of  counsel,  calling  them 
to  Christ,  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life ;  and  to  the  in- 
ward law  which  He  revealed  in  their  hearts.  The  meeting 
was  closed  by  prayer  unto  our  heavenly  Father,  thanking 
Him  for  his  kindness,  and  asking  Him  for  strength.  The 
people  were  orderly  and  some  seemed  touched  ;  it  was  a 
precious  time.  We  then  went  to  our  Small  Street  Meeting 
wThere  we  found  a  large  number  collected.  I  left  a  short 
message  with  them,  and  found  peace  in  so  doing.  In  the 
evening  attended  a  meeting  at  Green  Street,  appointed  by 
John  Jackson.  It  was  a  favored  time  ;  the  Lord's  name  be 
glorified. 

Seventh  Month  3rd.  Mother  and  I  started  on  a  little 
journey  to  Delaware  and  Chester  Counties.  We  went  first 
to  Chester,  where  Hannah  P.  Smith  joined  us  and  accom- 
panied us  to  her  father's  at  Concord ;  then  we  went  to 
Thomas  Marshall's  to  lodge. 

4th.  A  pleasant  morning,  and  we  left  for  Westtown,  ar- 
riving there  in  time  for  meeting.    It  was  a  silent  one.  We 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


55 


took  the  boys  to  dine  with  us  at  the  Farm  House,  and  after 
dinner  I  took  a  ramble  with  Davis  Reese  for  some  flowers. 
Towards  evening  we  left  Westtown,  and  went  to  West 
Chester,  passing  the  night  at  the  house  of  John  Roberts. 
The  borough  is  beautifully  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  fine 
farming  country.  The  air  was  laden  with  the  scent  of  new 
mown  hay,  and  the  abundant  harvest  was  nearly  ripe  for 
cutting. 

5th.  Came  home  in  the  afternoon,  and  in  the  evening 
went  to  a  meeting  of  the  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society.  "We 
had  an  excellent  meeting,  much  to  my  satisfaction,  and  to 
the  promotion  of  the  cause. 

6th.  In  the  morning  left  home  and  went  to  Westfield, 
ET.  J.,  to  see  Nathaniel  Stokes,  and  to  ascertain  whether  I 
could  obtain  a  situation  there  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of 
farming.  Spent  most  of  the  day  with  him,  and  met  with  as 
much  success  as  I  had  anticipated.  Came  home  in  the 
evening. 

7th.  Attended  the  colored  Friends'  Meeting  in  Kensing- 
ton, the  same  that  I  was  at  two  weeks  ago.  We  had  a  very 
satisfactory  opportunity,  much  to  my  peace  of  mind.  In 
the  afternoon  went  to  the  field  of  our  labor,  down  town, 
and  found  much  to  perform.  After  our  little  meeting  had 
gathered  the  Lord's  power  seemed  to  cover  us  with  a  heav- 
enly canopy.  I  went  there  feeling  great  barrenness,  but 
with  Divine  strength  I  was  led  to  cry  aloud  unto  the  people 
and  I  trust  to  the  sowing  of  good  seed  in  the  hearts  of  some. 


56 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LKVICK. 


Our  friend  Edmund  Benson  spoke  much  to  the  purpose, 
and  I  was  led  to  thank  the  Lord  for  his  loving  kindness. 
May  He  be  glorified  and  to  Him  be  given  all  the  praise ! 

9th.  A  fine  clear  morning.  Left,  by  stage,  for  Quaker- 
town,  where  I  arrived  about  noon.  The  country  was  beau- 
tiful, the  farmers  had  just  commenced  harvest,  and  all  things 
bespoke  our  Maker's  loving  kindness.  Visited  at  Dr. 
Carey's  and  Caleb  Foulke's,  and  went  to  John  Foulke's  to. 
lodge. 

11th.  Went  to  meeting  in  the  morning,  and  in  the  after- 
noon took  stage  for  Nazareth,  arriving  there  about  dusk. 
Had  comfortable  accommodations  for  the  night. 

12th.  Rode  to  the  Wind  Gap  where  we  breakfasted,  and 
I  hired  a  man  to  take  me  in  a  wagon  to  the  tannery.  We 
arrived  there  about  eleven  o'clock,  and  I  passed  the  after- 
noon and  evening  pleasantly  with  the  family  living  there. 

13th.  Started  homeAvard.  Lodged  at  Nazareth  and  left 
at  five  o'clock  in  the  morning,  arriving  at  Quakertown  in 
time  for  meeting. 

14th.  After  meeting,  attended  the  Association  of  young 
people  at  Hannah  Foulke's  school  house.  The  subject  of 
non-resistance  was  discussed,  and  I  had  an  opportunity  of 
giving  my  views.  After  supper  started  with  John  Foulke 
for  Philadelphia. 

15th.  Arrived  at  home  about  nine  A.  M.  and  found  all 
well. 

16th.    Quite  busy  in  arranging  my  affairs  preparatory  to 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


57 


my  departure  for  the  country,  to  take  up  my  residence 
there.  Although  I  shall  have  to  deprive  myself  of  much  en- 
joyment by  the  abandonment  of  those  pursuits  in  which  I 
have  been  so  actively  engaged,  yet  believing  it  my  duty  so 
to  do,  I  must  be  content.  .  .  .  Passed  the  evening  at  a 
meeting  of  the  Peace  Society.    C.  C.  Burleigh  spoke. 

17th.  In  the  morning  I  went  to  the  Jersey  market,  and 
engaged  a  passage  to  Westfield.  About  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  I  left  my  father's  house,  and  started  for  my 
adopted  home  in  the  family  of  Nathaniel  Stokes  at  West- 
tield,  N".  J.  [members  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  belonging 
to  Chester  Monthly  Meeting].  I  arrived  there  about  six 
o'clock,  assisted  in  hauling  some  hay,  and  then  passed  the 
evening  in  conversation  with  the  family. 

18th.  In  the  forenoon  we  attended  the  week-day  meet- 
ing at  Westfield,  which  was  small,  the  house  being  the  one 
that  is  used  for  both  school  and  meeting-house.  In  the 
afternoon  we  were  busy  with  the  hay ;  but  though  engaged 
in  body  my  mind  was  often  turned  to  the  great  Fountain  of 
light  and  life,  and  I  found  sweet  peace. 

19th.  A  fine  morning.  Feel  a  little  sore  in  body  from 
the  exercise  of  yesterday,  but  comfortable  in  mind.  Oh 
what  a  weight  is  lifted  from  me.  Now,  as  I  believe,  if  I 
wait  upon  the  Lord  and  am  watchful,  I  shall  experience  a 
growth  in  the  Truth. 

20th.  My  health  is  very  good,  and  I  have  had  strength 
to  perform  what  labor  has  fallen  to  my  lot,  without  much 
4 


58 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


difficulty  ;  for  which  favor  I  feel  thankful.  I  have  this  day 
had  a  taste  of  some  spiritual  food  from  the  great  Father. 

21st.  First-day.  A  fine  rain  last  night.  Oh  how  thank- 
ful we  should  be  to  our  Heavenly  Father  for  his  many  mer- 
cies and  blessings.  Attended  meeting  at  Westfield.  It  was 
a  good  meeting.  Our  friend  Henry  Hartshorn  had  some- 
thing to  say  unto  us  which  was  very  acceptable. 

23rd.  A  busy  da}'  as  to  the  outward,  yet  my  heart  has 
often  been  turned  to  God,  and  I  have  had  sweet  consola- 
tion. 

25th.  Our  meeting  was  silent.  It  was  a  comfortable  one 
to  me.  In  the  evening  heard  some  reading  from  the  Scrip- 
tures. 

26th.  A  very  warm  day,  and  a  laborious  one  on  the 
farm.  Had  company  in  the  evening.  As  I  was  about  to 
retire,  between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock,  it  being  very  moon- 
light, I  looked  out  at  the  window,  and  a  little  bird  on  one 
of  the  trees  sang  very  sweetly. 

28th.  This  morning  early  started  for  Philadelphia  where 
I  arrived  in  time  for  breakfast.  Attended  Cherry  Street 
Meeting,  and  in  the  afternoon,  in  company  with  Edmund 
Benson,  went  down  town,  and  had  a  satisfactory  time,  being 
favored  with  an  evidence  of  Divine  approval.  Xext  morn- 
ing left  the  city  at  an  early  hour,  and  was  at  home  in  time 
for  breakfast. 

Eighth  Month  4th.  Attended  meeting,  in  which  I  was 
much  comforted,  having  been  blessed  with  a  portion  of 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


59 


heavenly  bread.  In  tlie  afternoon  paid  a  pleasant  visit  at 
Henry  Warrington's.  He  and  I  conversed  on  the  subject 
of  non-resistance.  I  found  him  unwilling  to  admit  it  to  the 
extent  to  which  I  think  it  should  be  carried. 

6th.  Passed  the  evening  at  home,  and  a  considerable 
portion  of  it  was  employed  in  reading  the  writings  of  the 
Apostle  Paul. 

10th.  In  Philadelphia.  In  the  afternoon  went  to  hear 
John  Scobel  from  England,  who  has  been  on  a  mission  to 
the  British  West  Indies.  He  gave  us  a  very  satisfactory 
and  heart-cheering  account  of  the  working  of  emancipation. 
I  took  tea  with  my  dear  friend  Rowland  Johnson,  and  we 
spent  part  of  the  evening  together.  We  were  united  in  a 
heavenly  feeling,  and  a  desire  to  walk  as  our  dear  Re- 
deemer wishes  us  to,  was  experienced. 

11th.  First-day.  Soon  after  breakfast  I  called  on  Row- 
land, and  mentioned  to  him  a  concern  that  seemed  to  rest 
on  my  mind,  to  visit  the  Moyamensing  Prison,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  having  a  religious  opportunity  with  the  prisoners. 
It  was  satisfactory  to  me  to  learn  that  he  felt  a  liberty  to 
accompany  me.  After  calling  to  see  a  sick  man  on  our 
way,  and  conversing  with  some  of  the  poor  creatures  who 
reside  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  city,  we  arrived  at  the 
prison,  and  asking  for  the  warden  we  were  introduced  to 
one  of  the  keepers,  the  warden  not  being  present.  When 
we  stated  to  him  the  object  of  our  visit,  he  inquired  whether 
were  in  the  practice  of  preaching,  and  to  what  religious 


60 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


denomination  we  belonged?  Having  satisfied  himself  upon 
these  points,  and  requested  us  to  take  seats  in  the  room,  he 
informed  us, that  it  was  very  difficult  to  speak  in  the  long 
corridor  in  which  the  prisoners  are  confined.  We  were  not 
discouraged  by  this  information,  but  trusted  that  He  who. 
as  we  believed,  had  called  us,  would  make  it  practicable  for 
us  to  deliver  our  message.  The  keeper  then  withdrew,  and 
the  clattering  of  the  latches  and  grating  of  the  doors,  led 
us  to  suppose  that  he  was  preparing  for  our  opportunity. 
After  awhile  he  returned,  stating  that  all  was  ready.  We 
followed  him  into  a  long  avenue  where  were  three  tiers  of 
cells,  one  above  the  other.  The  doors  of  the  cells  were 
opened  about  one  foot,  the  opening  being  toward  us.  After 
taking  the  place  assigned,  I  arose  with  these  words :  "  He 
that  hath  an  ear  to  hear,  let  him  hear  what  the  Spirit  saith 
unto  the"  people.  Feeling  the  covering  of  the  Divine  Spirit 
over  me,  I  was  strengthened  both  as  to  voice  and  matter, 
and  after  having  spoken  some  time  I  sat  down  with  my 
mind  measurably  relieved.  After  a  season  of  solemn  silence 
interrupted  only  by  the  sobs  and  sighs  of  these  poor  crea- 
tures, my  friend  Rowland  arose,  and  was  much  favored. 
Then  I  had  a  little  to  add,  and  again  we  had  a  period  of 
silence  which  lasted  some  time,  when  I  felt  bound  to  ad- 
dress the  Throne  of  Grace  on  behalf  of  these  my  brethren 
and  sisters,  and  in  thanks  to  our  dear  Master  who  had  so 
manifested  himself  among  us.  Rowland  also  supplicated, 
after  which  we  were  favored  with  a  period  of  silence  under 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


63 


the  covering  of  which  the  opportunity  closed.  I  can  truly 
say  it  was  cause  for  thankfulness  unto  the  great  Head  of 
the  Church  that  we  were  permitted  to  have  such  an  oppor- 
tunity with  these  debased  but  precious  souls.  We  were 
treated  civilly  by  the  keeper,  and  invited  to  come  again ; 
we  thanked  him  for  his  kindness,  and  with  hearts  full  of 
gratitude  to  our  Heavenly  Father,  we  took  our  departure. 

In  the  afternoon  when  on  my  way  to  visit  our  colored 
friends  in  the  southern  part  of  the  city,  I  was  informed  that 
a  colored  man,  said  to  be  a  slave,  had  recently  been  cap- 
tured. On  going  some  distance  farther  my  attention  was 
attracted  by  a  number  of  persons  on  the  corner  of  the  street. 
I  admonished  them  not  to  stand  there,  as  it  did  not  look 
well  on  First-day,  and  invited  them  to  come  to  our  meeting. 
I  then  passed  up  Small  Street  to  Seventh,  where  I  saw  a 
number  of  persons  coming  out  of  a  tavern.  I  went  over  to 
talk  to  them,  and  one  of  them,  speaking  of  the  capture  of 
the  slave,  said,  "  Here  is  the  man  who  betrayed  him ;  and 
he  is  his  brother-in-law."  Hot  words  ensued  between  the 
two.  I  endeavored  to  prevent  them  from  coming  to  blows, 
but  to  no  purpose.  At  length  the  betrayer  took  refuge  in 
the  tavern,  but  they  pulled  him  out,  and  I  took  hold  of  him 
to  prevent  them  from  injuring  him;  but  some  one  struck 
him  and  knocked  him  down.  I  assisted  him  in  getting  up, 
and  kept  the  people  off  as  well  as  I  could,  by  talking  to 
them ;  but  he  was  several  times  knocked  down,  and  each 
time  I  helped  him  up.    At  length  I  saw  my  friends  Row- 


62  LIKE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

land  Johnson  and  Thomas  S.  Cavender  coming.  With  the 
assistance  of  these  two  the  man  was  carried  up  the  street, 
but  the  crowd  came  after  and  occasionally  struck  him.  At 
length  the}'  got  him  down,  but  I  stood  over  him,  and  by 
continued  expostulation  prevented  them  for  a  time  from 
doing  him  further  injury.  While  I  was  thus  pleading  with 
them,  a  white  man  made  his  way  through  the  crowd  and 
struck  me.  I  turned  round  and  walked  away,  and  the  men, 
both  white  and  colored,  in  the  crowd,  prevented  him  from 
injuring  me,  though  he  seemed  quite  ferocious.  Shortly 
after,  the  police  officers  came,  the  man  was  taken  away,  and 
thus  the  matter  ended.  Rowland  and  myself  returned  by 
the  scene  of  the  late  disturbances,  and  met  one  who  had 
taken  part  in  them.  I  called  him  to  me  and  told  him  why 
I  had  done  as  I  did.  He  said  they  were  obliged  to  me,  as  I 
had  prevented  them  from  doing  what  they  would  afterwards 
have  been  sorry  for.  I  also  saw  the  man  who  had  attempted 
to  injure  me;  but  he  did  not  now  offer  me  any  harm.  We 
passed  on  to  our  meeting  where  a  number  were  collected, 
and  were  being  addressed  by  our  sister  in  the  cause,  Almira 
Oram.  A  colored  friend  made  some  remarks,  and  while  he 
was  speaking  several  stones  were  thrown,  one  of  which 
struck  one  of  the  congregation.  I  cautioned  them  to  be 
still,  and  our  friend  concluded  his  remarks.  There  was  con- 
siderable excitement  among  the  people,  but  feeling  an  irre- 
sistible call  upon  me  to  rise,  I  stood  up,  and  in  loud  voice — 
for  some  of  them  were  a  considerable  distance  off — men- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


68 


tioned  to  them  the  object  of  our  meeting,  and  stated  that  it 
was  open  to  all  to  come.  A  number  of  persons  came  in 
for  the  purpose  of  making  a  disturbance,  bringing  their 
dogs  along;  but  before  I  had  spoken  many  minutes  all  was 
still.  Tbe  power  of  the  Lord  seemed  to  cover  us,  and  it 
was  a  highly  favored  time.  A  sister  in  the  work  then  arose, 
and  although  her  complexion  was  darker  than  ours,  I  believe 
her  heart  had  been  made  white,  by  the  cleansing  power  of 
the  redeeming  spirit  of  Christ.  Several  spoke,  and  oh ! 
what  cause  we  had  to  thank  our  Heavenly  Father  for  his 
care  over  us.  My  heart  was  humbled  under  a  sense  of  his 
preservation  through  the  dangers  of  this  day,  and  I  felt  a 
How  of  that  peace  which  the  world  knows  not  of. 

12th.  My  throat  felt  a  little  sore  from  the  excessive  use 
of  it,  on  the  day  preceding.  I  spent  part  of  the  morning 
in  attending  to  the  captured  man  who  is  claimed  as  a  slave. 
In  the  evening  returned  to  my  country  home. 

13th.    Attended  Monthly  Meeting  at  Moorestown. 

14th.  My  first  experience  in  plowing,  and  I  find  that  by 
proper  attention  I  can  plow,  even  sod,  quite  easily.  Passed 
the  evening  at  home,  reading  and  conversing  on  religious 
subjects. 

17th.  During  the  day  I  was  busy  plowing.  Feel  very 
well  as  regards  physical  health,  and  very  happy  in  every 
partieular.  In  the  evening  read  in  the  life  of  Samuel  Bow- 
nas,  and  was  much  interested;  finding  encouragement  for 
my  own  soul  to  persevere  in  the  cause  of  Truth. 


04 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


18th.  At  Westfield  Meeting.  T.  Warrington  spoke  on 
the  subject  of  knowing  the  Lord  and  serving  Him. 

22nd.  Down  at  the  landing  all  day  unloading  a  float. 
Passed  the  evening  in  listening  to  the  reading  of  Thomas 
Shillitoe's  Journal.   It  was  both  interesting  and  instructive. 

25th.  First-day,  attended  meeting  and  was  much  com- 
forted. In  the  afternoon  feeling  as  if  I  must  go  to  Burling- 
ton, I  attended  to  the  impression,  and  when  I  got  there  I 
found,  to  my  surprise,  my  dear  mother  and  sister  Anna. 
Our  meeting  was  as  unexpected  as  it  was  agreeable.  Came 
home  by  moonlight.  The  ride  was  pleasant,  and  my  mind 
was  filled  with  praise  to  God  for  his  goodness.  . 

26th.  Attended  to  my  plowing,  and  can  say  that  I  am 
greatly  pleased  with  my  occupation.  It  affords  much  time 
for  serious  contemplation,  and  gives  the  mind  an  opportunity 
to  soar  from  Nature  up  to  Nature's  God.  Read  some  in  the 
evening. 

27th.  While  working  on  the  farm  I  had  a  very  com- 
fortable time,  and  found  satisfaction  in  bringing  to  mind 
our  dependent  situation,  and  our  great  need  to  be  thankful 
for  the  mercies  and  favors  heaped  upon  us. 

28th.  My  dear  friend,  Rowland  Johnson,  with  me  last 
niarht.  This  morning  I  took  him  to  Moorestown  to  meet 
the  stage.  In  the  evening  there  was  some  young  compan}- 
here,  and  they  seemed  to  enjoy  themselves,  but  I  could  not 
enter  into  the  mirth. 

30th.    My  twentieth  birthday.    The  weather  being  very 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


65 


stormy  I  did  but  little  out  of  doors,  but  occupied  the  time 
in  reading  to  the  family,  and  in  writing  to  my  brother  Wil- 
liam, and  to  my  dear  friend  E.  F. 

Ninth  Month  1st.  Started  for  the  city  quite  early  and 
arrived  in  time  for  breakfast  with  my  father's  family. 
Found  them  all  well.  Attended  North  Meeting,  where 
Rowland  Johnson  had  a  few  words  to  say.  In  the  after- 
noon he  and  I  distributed  tracts  on  intemperance,  and  then 
went  visiting  families  in  our  district.  Before  leaving  the 
neighborhood  I  found  I  must  go  to  our  little  gathering, 
where  I  had  to  speak  unto  the  people  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord.  I  was  strengthened  for  the  work,  for  which  let  his 
name  be  praised.    I  went  home  in  the  evening. 

3rd.  Passed  the  evening  in  hearing  Nathaniel  Stokes 
read  in  George  Fox's  Journal,  which  was  very  consoling  to 
me. 

4th.  Although  a  daily  mention  is  not  made  of  my  feel- 
ings, yet  the  Divine  Master's  mercies  are,  I  trust,  apprecia- 
ted, and  my  soul  daily  has  sweet  converse  with  the  God  of 
my  life. 

5th.  Attended  week-day  meeting,  and  had  an  excellent 
one,  in  which  I  was  much  comforted,  my  mind  being  gath- 
ered to  the  great  Minister  of  ministers. 

9th.  Busy  with  my  team,  but  while  thus  occupied  had 
some  sweet  converse  with  the  spirit  of  Truth.  Oh !  how 
pleasant  it  is  to  feel  the  incomes  of  the  Divine  life  in  the 
soul.    If  we  expect  to  grow  in  the  Truth  we  must  know  a 


66 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


daily  warfare  to  be  kept  up  against  the  evil  desires  of  our 
hearts.  Attended  Chester  Monthly  Meeting.  In  the  sec- 
ond meeting,  Ebenezer  Roberts  made  valuable  remarks 
concerning  the  Queries;  that  they  are  a  living  inquiry 
unto  Friends  and  not  a  mere  form. 

12th.  "Went  to  Haddonfield  Quarterly  Meeting  held  at 
Medford.  Heard  an  excellent  communication  from  William 
Evans,  of  Philadelphia,  in  which  the  principles  of  Chris- 
tianity, as  believed  by  Friends,  were  held  up ;  namely,  the 
light  of  Christ,  as  it  is  manifested  in  our  hearts. 

13th.  While  actively  employed  on  the  farm,  held  sweet 
communion  with  the  Father  of  spirits,  in  which  He  was 
pleased  to  reveal  Himself  in  my  heart. 

14th.  Went  to  the  city  with  a  load ;  sold  out,  and  in  the 
afternoon  accompanied  mother  on  a  visit  to  cousin  Lewis 
Jones. 

15th.  In  the  forenoon  attended  the  meeting  of  colored 
Friends  in  Kensington.  I  felt  called  upon  to  say  something 
to  them,  which  I  did,  and  felt  peaceful  afterward.  We  had 
a  good  meeting.  In  the  afternoon  went  down  town,  accom- 
panied by  Rowland  Johnson  and  Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.  We 
had  a  highly  favored  time,  in  which  I  was  induced  to  ap- 
pear before  the  people,  and  to  call  them  to  Christ,  the  true 
Light. 

16th.    Called  at  the  house  of  ,  to  see  their  son  W., 

who  is  very  ill,  and  not  likely  to  recover.  It  is  greatly  to 
be  feared  he  is  not  prepared  for  the  solemn  change.    A  few 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


07 


days  ago,  he  was  in  the  enjoyment  of  health  and  strength. 
I  sat  down  hy  his  bedside,  and  was  moved  of  the  Lord  to 
bow  in  supplication  on  his  behalf.  By  so  doing  I  found 
peace  of  mind. 

17th.  Engaged  in  sundry  pursuits  on  the  farm,  but  felt 
an  assurance  of  the  Divine  presence  to  harmonize  all  sur- 
rounding objects.    It  is  this  which  makes  all  things  unite. 

18th.  Passed  part  of  the  evening  at  Dr.  Stokes's,  where 
I  met  a  Southern  man.  We  had  some  conversation  on  the 
subject  of  slavery. 

26th.  In  the  evening,  at  home,  reading  and  conversing 
upon  religious  subjects  I  was  made  willing  to  declare  my 
opinions  of  the  principles  of  Christ,  as  revealed  unto  me. 

Tenth  Mo.  3rd.  My  friend,  Joseph  Saunders,  came  here 
on  a  visit.    I  passed  the  evening  with  him  very  pleasantly. 

6th.  My  friend,  Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.,  came  home  with 
me  from  meeting.  In  the  afternoon  we  went  to  Edward 
Taylor's  for  a  visit.  I  think  them  a  very  interesting  family. 
At  first  there  was  considerable  lightness  in  our  behavior, 
but  it  soon  became  subdued,  and  we  had  an  instructive  as 
well  as  agreeable  time. 

7th.  Passed  the  day  at  "  lonesome  valley"  plowing.  I 
was  led  to  admire  the  various  colors  that  marked  the  foliage 
of  a  neighboring  wood.  The  Destroyer  had  blown  upon 
their  liveliness  his  frosty  breath,  and  warned  them  of  the 
approach  of  winter.  How  abundant  are  thy  witnesses,  oh, 
God !  in  teaching  thy  creatures  the  certainty  of  death. 


68 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


8th.  Although  alone  as  to  the  outward,  yet  had  the 
sweet  presence  of  my  Redeemer  in  his  spiritual  appearance 
to  my  view.  What  a  gift  to  man  is  the  ability  thus  to  hold 
converse  with  the  Saviour;  and  my  opportunities  for  this 
communion,  while  engaged  in  daily  labor,  make  me  love 
my  situation. 

10th.  "Went  to  Quakertown,  Pa.,  on  a  visit,  and  stopped 
at  the  house  of  my  kind  friend,  John  Foulke. 

11th.    In  the  morning  went  down  to  Aaron  Penrose's, 

where  I  found  my  dear  friend,  Ellen   ,  looking  very 

much  at  home,  and  assisting  her  sister.  Spent  the  day  and 
evening  very  agreeably  with  her.  It  is  pleasant  to  have  the 
company  of  one  whom  I  love.  Found  time  to  read  some 
from  the  sermons  of  the  wise  and  good,  and  their  counsel 
was  very  consoling  to  my  mind. 

13th.  Attended  Richland  Meeting,  where  we  had  a  few 
words  from  John  Foulke  and  from  Joseph  Thorne  ;  also  a 
supplication  from  the  latter 

14th.  Went  to  Philadelphia,  but  before  doing  so,  had  a 
little  time  with  my  friend,  Ellen,  in  which  we  were  consid- 
ering the  propriety  of  our  attending  the  marriage  of  her 
cousin,  C.  G.,  who  is  about  to  connect  herself  with  a  slave- 
holder. Passed  the  evening  at  James  Mott's  and  at  Emmor 
Kimber's,  in  company  with  Charles  C.  Burleigh,  Elizabeth 
Whittier  and  others. 

15th.    In  the  city.    At  eleven  o'clock  went  to  the  first 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


G9 


annual  meeting  of  "  The  Free  Produce  Association."  Had 
a  very  good  meeting. 

16th.  Attended  Cherry  St.  Meeting,  which  was  a  favored 
one;  the  Divine  spirit  of  Christ  being  felt  and  openly  attest- 
ed to  by  William  Healy  and  others.  My  friend,  William 
Bassett,  from  Lynn,  Mass.,  was  in  attendance.  It  was  the 
first  time  he  had  ever  been  at  a  meeting  of  that  branch  of 
the  Society  of  Friends.    He  was  much  pleased. 

17th.  Called  to  see  my  aunt,  Mary  Dolby,  whom  I 
found  better.  We  had  some  very  serious  conversation  on 
religious  subjects.  It  was  satisfactory,  I  think,  to  both  of 
us.  I  believe  she  has  found  peace  for  her  soul,  and  I  was 
encouraged  to  work  out  my  soul's  salvation  with  fear  and 
trembling.  Oh  !  the  importance  of  having  the  day's  work 
done  in  the  daytime.  After  leaving  aunt,  I  passed  an  hour 
very  agreeably  with  my  much  beloved  friend,  John  Cox,  of 
Burlington.  Then  went  to  my  Jersey  home,  where  I  found 
all  well.  I  was  glad  again  to  be  there,  after  my  satisfactory 
visit  in  the  city. 

18th.  Passed  the  evening  in  reading  agricultural  works, 
as  a  means  of  storing  my  mind  with  useful  information. 

20th.  In  the  afternoon  and  evening  at  Henry  Warring- 
ton's, and  had  considerable  conversation  with  him  on  reli- 
gious matters.    It  was  very  satisfactory  to  my  mind. 

21st.  I  find  it  very  comforting,  at  the  end  of  the  day,  on 
reviewing  my  conduct,  to  feel  a  sweet  assurance  of  the 
Lord's  presence. 


70 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


22nd.  While  at  work  had  my  mind  turned  inward  for 
communion,  and  experienced  the  inshining  of  the  Divine 
light  into  my  heart. 

24th.  At  our  week-day  meeting.  In  the  early  part  I 
suffered  my  mind  to  run  toward  things  too  outward  in  their 
tendency;  but  toward  the  close  I  was  favored  to  feel  the  in- 
shinings  of  Divine  light  shed  abroad  in  my  heart. 

27th.  Arose  early,  and  went  to  the  city  before  breakfast, 
which  I  took  at  father's.  I  went  to  meeting,  and  had  a 
comfortable  time  as  regards  myself,  though  the  meeting 
was  somewhat  disturbed.  In  the  afternoon  went  to  "  L.ittle 
Wesley,"  where  (opportunity  being  given)  we  had  a  highly 
favored  time,  let  thanks  be  rendered  to  the  Lord!  This 
day  died  my  aunt,  Mary  Dolby,  at  peace  with  God  and 
man.    She  was  in  the  forty-fourth  year  of  her  age. 

29th.  Attended  aunt's  funeral.  We  left  the  house  after 
ten  o'clock,  and  proceeded  to  the  Arch  Street  Ground. 
Here  I  was  under  much  exercise,  but  owing  to  the  weak- 
ness of  the  flesh,  I  did  not  express  what  was  on  my  mind. 
Two  other  Friends  each  said  a  few  words.  I  came  away 
feeling  the  weight  of  my  disobedience,  and  was  much  tried 
in  consequence  thereof.    Went  home  in  the  evening. 

30th.  A  fine,  clear  morning.  I  am  well  in  body,  but 
heavy  in  spirit,  feeling  that  I,  yesterday,  transgressed  the 
Divine  law,  as  revealed  unto  me,  and  thus  grieved  my 
Heavenly  Father.    During  the  day  I  attended  to  my  duties 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


71 


on  the  farm,  and,  through  adorable  mercy,  I  at  length  felt 
a  degree  of  forgiveness  for  my  disobedience. 

31st.  At  our  week-day  meeting  I  was  favored  with  the 
inshining  of  the  Divine  light  to  illuminate  my  heart.  In 
the  afternoon,  while  at  work,  I  enjoyed  meditation  of  a 
profitable  character. 

Eleventh  Month  1st.  In  the  evening  wrote  a  long  letter 
to  my  friend,  Joseph  Parrish,  Jr. 

2nd.    Passed  the  evening  at  home  reading  the  Scriptures. 

10th.  First-day.  Attended  Burlington  Meeting,  which 
was  a  satisfactory  one.  Dined  at  cousin  Samuel  P.  Weth- 
erill's,  and  lodged  at  John  Cox's.  In  the  morning  John  was 
very  entertaining,  and  narrated  incidents  in  the  lives  of  those 
good  Friends  of  last  century  whom  we  have  an  account  of, 
viz  :  John  Woolman  and  others.  I  greatly  enjoyed  hearing 
such  reminiscences  from  him. 

13th.  Hauling  marl.  On  the  road  my  mind  was  drawn 
to  the  Great  Shepherd  of  Israel,  who  daily  stands  ready  to 
lead  his  sheep  that  are  willing  to  follow  his  leading,  to  the 
green  pastures  and  beside  the  still  waters. 

18th.  While  engaged  in  hauling  I  found  time  for  reflec- 
tion, in  which  I  could  say  that  my  spirit  held  sweet  com- 
munion with  the  Father  of  spirits.  Such  seasons  are  times 
of  great  joy  to  my  soul. 

19th.  It  is  good  to  be  alone,  for  in  the  silence  of  all  flesh 
can  be  felt  the  Divine  presence  illuminating  the  soul. 

21st.    At  meeting  this  morning  I  had  a  profitable  time, 


72 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


for  though  the  will  of  the  creature  would  rise  up,  vet 
through  the  gooduess  of  a  merciful  Creator,  I  was  blessed 
with  a  portion  of  Heavenly  food  for  the  poor  soul  which 
stands  in  need  of  that  nourishment  to  keep  it  alive. 

23rd.  In  the  city.  Passed  part  of  the  evening  with  ray 
very  particular  friend,  Thomas  Brown.  I  regard  him  as 
one  of  the  redeemed  ones,  from  whom  I  have  received 
much  instruction  in  spiritual  things. 

24th.  First-day.  Rowland  and  myself  wTent  on  a  relig- 
ious visit  to  Moyamensing  Prison.  After  a  time  of  solemn 
silence  I  arose  and  relieved  ray  mind.  Rowland  followed  : 
then  I  felt  constrained  to  bow  before  the  Throne  of  Grace. 
R,  also  supplicated.  Being  favored  with  the  Bivine  pres- 
ence we  had  a  comfortable  time,  which  tended  to  our  soul's 
peace.  In  the  afternoon  I  attended  Sixth  Street  Meeting, 
in  which  my  mind  was  deeply  exercised  with  the  feeling 
that  I  must  communicate  what  was  given  unto  me.  Though 
rauqh  in  the  cross,  I  did  express  it,  and  found  peace  in  so 
doing. 

26th.  Had  the  light  of  the  Lord  to  fill  my  soul,  and  I 
was  made  glad.  Oh,  the  joy  I  have  in  this  peaceful  state, 
while  on  the  road  with  the  team,  or  when  working  alone. 

29th.  A  very  pleasant  day ;  ray  mind  having  a  taste  of 
the  goodness  of  God,  by  the  operation  of  his  Holy  Spirit 
upon  my  heart. 

30th.  At  seasons  we  are  drawn  inward,  and  led  to  see 
the  beauty  of  holiness;  but  the  enemy  desires  to  draw  us 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


73 


off ;  and  if  we  keep  not  on  the  watch,  he  will  draw  us 
away. 

Twelfth  Month  1st.  At  our  meeting  this  morning.  It 
was  a  silent  one,  and  I  had  a  fairly  comfortable  time,  al- 
though not  sufficiently  watchful. 

5th.  At  our  week-day  meeting,  I  was  favored  with  an 
evidence  of  the  Divine  presence,  and  it  was  shown  unto 
me  that  the  walls  between  the  various  sects  of  professing 
Christians  must  be  broken  down  before  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  shall  come  to  be  established  on  earth,  as  it  is  in 
Heaven. 

6th.  Engaged  in  hauling.  I  find  in  this  occupation 
much  time  for  reflection ;  and  at  seasons  have  the  favor  of 
tasting  a  crumb  of  Heavenly  bread,  and  of  sipping  at  the 
fountain  of  pure  love. 

7th.  In  the  evening  listened  to  one  who  was  reading 
some  of  the  testimony  given  in  court  at  the  trial  between 
the  two  branches  of  Friends  in  this  State.  To  my  mind 
there  was  nothing  savory  in  it ;  but  quite  otherwise.  It  is 
poor  food  for  the  soul. 

8th.  Went  to  the  city  and  attended  Arch  Street  Meet- 
ing. Arrived  at  home  after  dark,  and  passed  the  evening 
in  reading  the  Scriptural  account  of  Jesus  Christ;  his  deeds, 
sermons,  commands,  &c.  It  was  very  instructive  to  my 
mind. 

10th.  Attended  Monthly  Meeting  at  Moorestown.  It 
w  as  to  me,  a  season  of  spiritual  dearth. 

5 


74 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


12th.  Haddonfield  Quarter,  held  at  Moorestown.  It 
was  a  very  comfortable  Meeting.  Elizabeth  Evans,  Eliza- 
beth Pitfield,  and  several  other  public  Friends  were  there. 

15th.  First-day.  In  the  morning  attended  a  meeting  of 
colored  people  at  Cinnaminson,  and  had  a  little  to  com- 
municate to  them.    It  was  a  satisfactory  time. 

18th.  Went  to  Quakertown,  Pa.,  where  I  made  my 
home  at  John  Foulke's,  and  visited  round  among  my 
friends. 

19th.  Met  my  beloved  friend,  Ellen  Foulke,  at  her 
brother  Benjamin's.  It  was  pleasant  to  us  to  be  together. 
We  went  to  the  week-day  meeting,  which  was  a  comforta- 
ble one,  and  returned  to  Benjamin  Foulke's. 

24th.  Went  by  stage  to  Philadelphia.  We  stopped  at 
a  public  house  to  change  horses,  and  I,  going  in  to  get 
warm,  found  a  man  there  fiddling.  Almost  immediately  I 
was  brought  under  exercise  concerning  this  man,  and  found 
that  I  must  take  him  aside  and  speak  to  him  for  the  relief 
of  my  mind.  I  did  so,  stating  the  feeling  that  had  prompted 
me  thus  to  accost  a  stranger,  and  warning  him  of  the 
awful  situation  he  stood  in,  being  the  means  of  drawing 
many  to  that  place ;  and  telling  him  if  he  would  once  take 
up  the  cross  and  follow  the  Lord,  He  would  find  a  way  for 
him.  He  seemed  very  tender,  thanked  me  for  my  advice, 
and  said  he  would  try  to  do  better.  A  fellow-passenger 
was  going  to  visit  near  relatives  in  Philadelphia,  whom  he 
had  not  seen  in  seventeen  years.    When  a  boy  he  had  lived 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


75 


in  the  city,  but  having  been  away  so  long  he  had  become  a 
stranger;  so  I  assisted  him  in  finding  his  aunt  and  sisters. 
It  was  a  joyful  meeting;  they  falling  on  his  neck  and  kiss- 
ing him. 

26th.  Attended  Arch  Street  Meeting  where  was  present 
Jacob  Green,  a  public  Friend  from  Ireland.  He  was  much 
favored  in  ministering,  and  seemed  drawn  to  some  of  the 
young  people  in  an  especial  manner;  saying  that  they  were 
called  to  the  work.  I  dined  at  father's,  visited  in  the  after- 
noon, and  spent  part  of  the  evening  with  John  G.  Whittier. 

27th.  Took  tea  at  James  Mott's  in  company  with  Charles 
C.  Burleigh,  with  whom  I  went  in  the  evening  to  a  meeting 
of  the  Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society,  at  which  he  and  H.  B. 
Stanton  were  the  speakers. 

28th.  Returned  to  my  country  home,  finding  all  well, 
and  apparently  glad  to  see  me. 

29th.  At  meeting  in  the  morning,  where  I  received  a 
little  food  for  the  soul.  Our  friend,  T.  Warrington,  spoke. 
In  the  evening  wrote  some,  and  then  read  in  the  New  Tes- 
tament. 

31st.  The  last  day  of  the  year  1839.  In  my  diary  are 
recorded  some  of  the  events  that  have  occurred.  It  has 
been  kept  principally  to  give  an  account  of  the  weather, 
and  of  the  manner  in  which  I  have  employed  the  time.  For 
want  of  room  [space  for  each  day  was  limited]  I  have  not  de- 
tailed my  feelings,  nor  the  exercises  of  my  mind  ;  but  through 
the  mercies  and  bounteous  care  of  an  all-wise  Providence  I 


76  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

have  been  favored  with  h  good  degree  of  health,  and  inward 
as  well  as  outward  preservation.  On  taking  a  retrospect  of 
my  actions  I  can  see  that  there  have  been  times  when,  for 
want  of  watchfulness  unto  prayer,  the  enemy  has  drawn  me 
aside  from  the  path  of  duty,  still  I  have  been  kept  from  many 
of  the  snares  which  he  has  set  for  the  young  and  inexperienced 
mind;  and  for  this  preservation  may  praises,  thanksgivings 
and  renown  be  ascribed  unto  the  Lord.  Although  sensible 
of  my  infirmities  and  manifold  weaknesses,  I  feel  that  my 
time  has  not  all  been  spent  in  vain ;  but  it  has  been  my 
desire,  in  an  humble  manner,  to  advance  the  cause  of  Truth 
and  righteousness  in  the  earth.  Truly  it  is  the  desire  of  my 
heart  that  my  day's  work  may  keep  pace  with  the  day,  and 
that  by  humility  and  faithfulness  I  may  endeavor  to  know 
the  Lord's  will  concerning  me ;  and  when  known,  that  I 
may  faithfully  perform  the  work  He  has  assigned  me.  Oh, 
that  there  may  be  a  progression  from  one  degree  of  grace 
unto  another ;  from  a  babe — as  I  now  feel  myself — to  a 
young  man,  and  a  strong  man  in  Christ  Jesus! 

1840.  First  Month  1st.  I  commence  the  new  year 
with  a  desire  that  I  may  not  have  cause  to  look  back  to  this 
date  with  sorrow.  I  feel  that  I  have  not  been  sufficiently 
devoted  to  the  cause  of  Truth,  and  I  now  desire  that  I  may 
press  forward,  "  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus." 

2nd.  At  our  week-day  meeting,  felt  a  considerable  dearth 
in  spiritual  things,  but  had  some  comfort. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


1 1 


3rd.  Went  to  the  city  with  marketing.  Took  supper  at 
father's,  and  then  accompanied  mother  to  a  meeting  of  the 
Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society.  It  was  addressed  by  Gerrit 
Smith  and  James  G.  Birney.  Met  with  many  of  my  friends, 
who  seemed  glad  to  see  me.  R.  Johnson  and  myself  had 
some  pleasant  conversation. 

4th.  Came  home  in  the  afternoon.  Had  a  season  of 
heavenly  quiet,  wherein  I  felt  greatly  comforted. 

5th.  Attended  Burlington  Meeting,  where  I  had  a  satis- 
factory time.  Then  visited  at  cousin  Samuel  R.  Wetherill's, 
C.  Gaskill's  and  John  Cox's.  At  the  last  named  place,  I 
met  with  some  Friends  from  Massachusetts,  with  whom  I 
had  considerable  conversation  on  religious  subjects. 

6th.  Attended  Monthly  Meeting  at  Burlington,  in  which 
Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.,  and  Lydia  Gaskill  declared  their  inten- 
tions of  marriage.  In  the  afternoon  went  home,  and  my 
ride  was  a  pleasant  one,  having  my  heart  filled  with  Divine 
love. 

8th.  Was  favored  with  a  portion  of  that  Bread  which 
comes  down  from  Heaven,  and  which  is  food  for  the  soul. 
Oh,  how  sweet  and  refreshing  are  such  seasons !  May  I 
seek  for  them  through  watchfulness  unto  prayer. 

9th.  At  meeting  did  not  feel  much  strength.  How 
subtle  is  the  enemy  of  our  souls — our  unsubdued  will — and 
when  it  rises  up  in  opposition  to  the  Divine  Light  in  us, 
and  we,  through  want  of  faith,  give  way  to  its  callings,  we 
experience  a  dearth  in  spiritual  things. 


7  s 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


10th.  Passed  the  evening  at  Dr.  Stokes's,  near  Moores- 
town.  It  is  pleasant  to  me  when  I  cast  the  eye  of  the  mind 
around,  to  find  none  unto  whom  I  could  not  stretch  the 
welcome  hand  of  love.  This  is  a  sweet  feeling,  and  I  desire 
that  I  may  cultivate  it,  and  be  more  and  more  possessed 
of  it. 

14th.  Attended  Chester  Monthly  Meeting.  It  was  a 
strengthening  time  in  the  first  meeting ;  but  in  the  second, 
when  they  began  to  read  over  the  cases  under  dealing,  my 
heart  was  pained  at  the  seeming  indifference  with  which 
they  would  disown  a  member,  after  paying  him  one  visit. 
I  cannot  here  express  my  feelings  on  this  subject. 

16th.  Hauling  marl,  and  while  thus  employed  was 
blessed  with  a  portion  of  heavenly  food.  I  know  that  I 
am  not  sufficiently  watchful,  yet  have  I  been  thus  favored. 
Such  is  the  boundless  goodness  of  God  to  poor,  sinful  man. 
Passed  the  evening  with  Chalkley  Gillingham  and  wife. 
They  are  excellent  Friends,  and  their  minds  seem  to  have 
been  illuminated  with  Divine  Truth. 

17th.  I  find  I  am  not  sufficiently  careful  with  my  tongue. 
Had  company  here  in  the  evening,  and  the  conversation  ran 
principally  on  secular  subjects. 

18th.  While  on  the  road,  a  good  opportunity  was  given 
for  silent  waiting  on  the  Lord.  He  is  pleased  to  open 
rivers  of  waters  to  his  thirsty  children,  who  seek  Him  in 
humility  of  soul.  That  I  may  be  more  humble  is  the  desire 
of  my  heart.    Passed  the  evening  with  our  reading  class  at 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


79 


Henry  Warrington's.  Some  of  Samuel  Fothergill's  sermons 
were  read  to  edification. 

20th.    Passed  the  evening  reading  in  Sewell's  History. 

21st.  I  can  say  that  this  day  has  not  been  spent  in  vain. 
Although  I  feel  my  littleness  and  unworthiness,  yet  I  am 
much  favored.  Oh,  may  the  Lord  have  the  praise!  In  the 
evening  read  in  Sewell's  History,  which  is  both  interesting 
and  edifying. 

23rd.  This  evening  had  the  company  of  Chalkley  Gril- 
lingham  and  Joseph  Saunders.  Oh,  how  pleasant  it  is  to 
mingle  with  our  friends  ! 

25th.  Went  to  the  city.  In  the  evening  I  heard  of  a 
family  in  a  distressing  state  of  poverty,  and  Rowland  and  I 
went  to  see  them. 

26th.  In  the  morning  took  some  things  to  the  poor  fam- 
ily, and  then  went  to  Sixth  Street  Meeting,  where  my 
Heavenly  Father  called  on  me  to  open  my  mouth  and  cry 
aloud  to  urge  my  brethren  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  In  the 
afternoon  visited  some  of  the  poor  in  their  homes,  and  then 
went  to  the  meeting  on  Little  Pine  Street.  After  the  min- 
ister had  finished  his  discourse,  I  was  moved  to  call  the 
company  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  to  that  inward  law,  which, 
as  dwelt  under,  would  lead  out  of  all  unrighteousness. 

27th.  Called  to  see  relatives  and  friends  at  several  differ- 
ent places.  I  can  say  that  I  have  been  this  day  blessed  with 
a  portion  of  spiritual  food. 

29th.   Attended  Orange  Street  week-day  meeting,  where 


80 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVR'K. 


I  had  a  comfortable  time,  and  felt  called  to  speak  a  word 
publicly.  Oh,  the  responsibility  which  is  thus  incurred !  I 
feel  that  without  a  Saviour  I  should  die,  and  without  a  Re- 
deemer I  should  perish.    May  I  be  watchful  unto  prayer. 

30th.  At  our  home  (Westfield)  Meeting,  I  was  much 
comforted.  In  the  evening  read  in  Sewell's  History,  and 
was  humbled  by  the  account  of  the  sufferings  of  the  Lord's 
people  in  those  early  days  of  our  Society.  I  have  felt  that 
if  we  now,  with  all  our  blessings,  are  not  found  faithful,  it 
will  not  be  well  with  us. 

31st.  Thus  I  find  myself,  at  the  close  of  another  day, 
desiring  that  I  may  walk  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  being 
careful  not  to  transgress  his  holy  law,  as  it  is  made  manifest 
to  me.  I  feel  my  weakness,  my  unworthiness,  my  short- 
comings, but  that  I  may  be  faithful,  is  the  desire  of  my 
heart. 

Second  Month  1st.  It  is  my  desire  to  live  daily  in  the 
love  of  God ;  and  to  do  this,  watchfulness  and  prayer  are 
necessary. 

2nd.  Had  a  comfortable  meeting  at  Westfield  in  the 
morning,  and  in  the  evening  went  with  Chalkley  Gilling- 
ham  to  a  meeting  of  colored  people,  held  in  one  of  their 
dwelling-houses.  After  they  had  concluded  their  services, 
I  felt  moved  to  get  up  and  call  them  to  Christ  within.  Also 
had  to  kneel  in  supplication  in  their  behalf. 

5th.  Attended  Cherry  Street  Meeting  this  morning,  and 
was  much  exercised  in  mind ;  so  much  so  that  I  had  to 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


81 


stand  up  and  deliver  my  message.  Much  inward  peace  fol- 
lowed this  act  of  obedience. 

6th.  Went  to  Burlington  and  attended  the  marriage  of 
Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.,  and  Lydia  Gaskill.  It  was  a  quiet, 
comfortable  meeting,  and  I  was  pleased  to  see  a  number  of 
our  colored  friends  there. 

8th.  In  the  city.  My  mind  much  exercised,  and  a  heavy 
weight  rested  upon  it. 

9th.  Still  under  a  heavy  burden  of  spirit  this  morning. 
Went  up  to  see  a  family  of  poor  people,  whom  the  hardness 
of  the  heart  of  man  had  deprived  of  their  just  earnings.  I 
then  went  to  father's  and  took  a  little  sleep,  but  awoke 
without  any  relief  of  mind.  In  the  afternoon  went  to  Green 
Street  Meeting,  and  was  much  comforted  by  a  communica- 
tion from  a  Friend.  I  passed  the  evening  at  father's  very 
satisfactorily,  having  some  openings  in  spiritual  matters. 

10th.  Went  home.  Felt  the  necessity  for  continued 
faithfulness  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  life. 

11th.  Attended  Chester  Monthly  Meeting,  at  which  Ja- 
cob Green,  a  Friend  from  Ireland,  was  present.  I  was 
much  comforted  in  the  meeting,  although  deeply  baptized 
into  feeling,  on  account  of  the  process  of  disowning. 

12th.  Oh,  what  sweet  seasons  I  have  in  solitude!  I 
have  this  day  been  favored  with  heavenly  food. 

13th.  Joseph  Saunders  and  myself  went  to  the  house  of 
Anthony  Harris,  to  read  to  our  colored  friends.  We  felt 
well  satisfied  with  the  evening's  employment. 


82 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


14th.  In  the  city,  among  some  friends.  The  company 
was  pleasant,  though  too  much  lightness  was  apparent. 

16th.  At  Westfield  Meeting.  It  was  not,  to  me,  a  com- 
fortable  opportunity.  But  the  fault  was  my  own.  I  had 
been  unwatchful.    Oh,  the  weakness  of  human  nature! 

17th.  The  evening  was  passed  in  reading  Sewell's  His- 
tory; and  being  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  sufferings 
that  Friends  had  to  endure,  my  mind  was  clothed  with  hu- 
mility. 

18th.  While  at  work,  found  time  for  reflection  and 
sweet  communion  with  my  Creator.  I  do  not  feel  that  I  am 
making  much  advancement,  but  I  endeavor  to  keep  near 
the  Lord,  who,  at  seasons,  makes  himself  manifest. 

19th.  In  the  evening  went  to  Anthony  Harris's,  and 
found  only  one  person  besides  their  own  family.  I  read  to 
them  awhile,  and  then  opened  my  mind  to  them  on  some 
important  subjects;  as  original  sin,  and  other  weighty  mat- 
ters.   I  felt  satisfied  that  I  had  gone. 

20th.  I  have  been  favored  at  seasons  with  great  open- 
ings, and  been  blessed  with  much  of  that  inward  peace 
which  none  know  save  those  who  have  experienced  it. 

21st.  Felt  the  Divine  life  to  arise  in  me  this  afternoon 
and  evening.  Took  supper  at  father's,  and  then  went  to  a 
meeting  of  our  colored  friends  at  Zore  Meeting  House.  I 
was  desirous  of  coming  away,  but  I  had  to  stay,  and  the 
Lord  opened  my  mouth  for  the  encouragement  of  these 
dear  souls.    How  can  I  thank  Him  for  his  goodness. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


83 


22nd.  In  the  evening  called  to  see  my  dear  old  friend, 
Thomas  Brown.  He  is  a  great  man,  for  he  has  the  key 
that  will  open  the  way  to  life  everlasting. 

23rd.  In  the  morning  attended  North  Meeting,  and  was 
favored  with  Divine  help.  The  language  that  saluted  my 
spiritual  ear  was  "  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God."  It 
was  refreshing  to  be  still,  and  to  wait  upon  the  Lord.  In 
the  afternoon  I  went  down  town,  feeling  drawn  to  a  little 
meeting-house  that  I  had  observed  some  years  ago,  but 
knew  not  that  there  was  any  meeting  held  in  it,  as  I  had 
learned  formerly  that  there  was  not;  but  on  going  in  I 
found  a  little  company  gathered,  and,  when  their  services 
were  over,  I  felt  moved  of  the  Lord  to  arise  and  speak,  and 
the  Lord  helped  me.  I  knew  not  of  what  name  they  were, 
but  I  felt  the  drawing  cords  of  brotherly  love  to  unite  me 
to  them,  and  I  verily  believe  that  some  souls  present  were 
humbled.  I  called  them  to  Christ  within,  and  told  them 
that  to  know  Him  they  must  be  bereft  of  pride. 

24th.  Having  felt  a  drawing  to  attend  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  of  the  other  branch  of  Friends  (to  be  held  at  Mt. 
Holly)  I  was  much  exercised,  and  very  desirous  to  know 
and  to  do  my  duty  in  this  wreighty  matter.  After  carefully 
weighing  the  concern,  I  concluded  to  start.  So  Rowland 
Johnson  and  myself  went  on  foot  to  the  house  of  J.  Lundy, 
about  five  miles  beyond  Moorestou  n,  where  we  passed  the 
night.  The  language  of  the  Apostle  came  before  me,  and 
"I  was  not  disobedient  to  the  heavenly  vision." 


84 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


25th.  Went  to  the  meeting,  which  was  large,  and  there 
was  considerable  speaking.  At  length  I  was  moved  to  say 
a  few  words,  beginning  with  the  Scriptural  quotation,  "For 
the  wisdom  of  this  world  is  foolishness  with  God."  I  also 
had  some  exercise  in  the  Meeting  for  Discipline,  and  came 
aw  ay  with  the  reward  of  peace.  Dined  at  William  Cloth- 
ier's, where  I  met  sundry  Friends,  and  then  came  home. 

26th,  27th,  28th  and  29th.  These  four  days  were  passed 
in  a  journey  to  Egg  Harbor,  and  the  return.  In  company 
with  some  neighbors,  I  brought  a  load  of  goods  for  a  family 
that  are  moving  into  this  neighborhood.  While  on  the 
road  with  my  team,  I  found  opportunity  for  quiet  contem- 
plation, which  was  profitable.  During  the  afternoon  of  the 
27th  we  took  a  sail  on  the  bay,  and  had  rather  an  amusing 
time,  but  on  retiring  at  night,  I  felt  that  I  had  not  experi- 
enced much  growth  in  the  Truth  that  day.  We  must  daily 
know  our  work  to  go  on,  and  to  keep  pace  with  the  day. 
On  the  homeward  journey  the  traveling  was  tedious,  but  I 
was  again  favored  by  being  enabled  to  look  unto  the  Lord. 
On  my  return  home  I  was  gladdened  by  acceptable  letters, 
one  from  Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.,  and  one  from  Kezia  Foulke. 

Third  Month,  1st.  Attended  our  meeting  at  Westfield, 
and  though  somewhat  inconvenienced  from  previous  fatigue, 
I  had  a  comfortable  meeting,  and  my  mind  was  dipped  into 
feeling  for  this  company,  who,  it  was  manifest  to  me,  were 
living  too  much  on  the  surface,  without  getting  inward  to 
the  life. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


85 


3rd.  Employed  all  day  in  plowing.  How  pleasant  it  is 
to  have  the  mind  freed  from  the  love  of  the  world,  "looking 
unto  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith." 

5th.  Attended  our  week-day  meeting — a  comfortable  one 
to  me.    Seth  Warrington  acceptably  with  us  this  evening. 

7th.  Went  to  the  city.  Passed  part  of  the  evening  at 
the  house  of  Dr.  Joseph  Parrish,  whom  I  found  very  ill. 

8th.  Felt  drawn  to  attend  the  little  meeting  of  colored 
Friends  in  Kensington.  Soon  after  taking  my  seat  among 
them,  my  mind  was  brought  under  exercise,  but  while  I 
was  dwelling  under  it  in  silence,  a  man  arose,  and,  in  the 
course  of  his  preaching,  he  told  them  of  the  necessity  of 
outward  baptism.  Soon  after  he  had  concluded  his  remarks 
I  arose  and  began  with  the  words,  "  Without  faith  it  is  im- 
possible to  please  God."  I  told  them  that  outward  baptism 
would  not,  nay,  could  not,  cleanse  the  soul  from  sin,  but  that 
they  must  know  the  inward  baptism — that  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  In  the  afternoon  went  to  Sixth  Street,  and  in  the 
evening  to  Cherry  Street.  Both  were  comfortable  meetings 
to  me. 

9th.  In  the  afternoon  walked  home  from  the  city,  and 
was  favored  with  a  flow  of  love  Divine  in  my  heart. 

10th.  Attended  Chester  Monthly  Meeting,  and  I  can  say 
it  was  a  time  of  inward  trial.  I  cannot  express  my  feelings, 
but  I  desire  to  adhere  to  the  Divine  principle  within  me. 
If  it  were  not  for  that,  how  would  the  poor  soul  be  tossed 
about ! 


86 


LIFE    OP    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


l'2th.  Attended  Haddontield  Quarter,  held  at  Haddon- 
tield, but,  from  some  cause,  was  not  baptized  into  feeling  as 
on  some  other  occasions.  Dined  at  Sarah  Collins's,  where 
we  met  with  sundry  Friends.  The  social  mingling  was 
very  agreeable,  and  I  was  much  pleased  with  the  village  of 
Haddontield. 

13th.  Father  and  mother  came  up  to  visit  us.  It  is  the 
first  time  that  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  mingling  with 
them  at  this  place.    I  greatly  enjoyed  the  evening. 

14th.  In  the  evening  attended  a  meeting  in  a  school- 
house,  about  five  miles  distant,  to  consider  whether  or  not 
the  immediate  abolition  of  slavery  would  be  advantageous; 
and  afterwards  felt  satisfied  with  what  I  had  said. 

15th.  Attended  our  meeting  this  morning,  and  had  a 
comfortable  time,  though  somewhat  tried  as  to  the  outward. 

16th.  A  busy  day,  but  I  was  favored  with  a  crumb  of 
spiritual  bread  for  the  nourishment  of  the  soul.  Spent  the 
evening  at  Gillingham's,  and  had  cause  to  rejoice  that  there 
are  those  whose  hearts  are  filled  with  the  love  of  God. 

18th.  In  company  with  Nathaniel  Stokes,  started  for 
Monroe  Tannery.  On  our  arrival  in  Philadelphia  we  were 
informed  of  the  death  of  Dr.  Joseph  Parrish,  who  passed 
away  this  morning,  about  three  o'clock.  He  was  aged  sixty- 
one  years.  Thus  has  the  city  been  deprived  of  one  who, 
for  goodness  and  high  moral  excellence,  had  few  superiors. 
And  he  has  been  gathered  as  a  shock  of  corn  fully  ripe. 
So  we  should  not  mourn,  but  look  upon  the  dispensation  as 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


87 


sent  by  our  Heavenly  Father,  and  be  ready  to  adopt  the 
language,  "Not  our  will,  but  thine,  oh,  Lord,  be  done." 
We  left  the  city  in  the  forenoon,  and  proceeded  as  far  as 
Hartsville,  where  we  dined,  and  then  went  on  to  Bucksville, 
where  we  passed 'the  night. 

19th.  Rode  fifteen  miles,  to  Easton,  before  breakfast. 
Then  proceeded  on  our  journey,  and  arrived  at  the  Tan- 
nery, in  the  valley  of  the  Pocono,  before  night.  We  found 
all  well,  and  looking  for  us,  at  Mountain  Cottage,  where  we 
stopped  and  were  well  accommodated. 

21st.  Went  in  search  of  trees.  We  did  not  succeed  in 
finding  any  Balm-of-Gileads,  but  beautiful  double  spruce 
were  abundant.  So  we  filled  the  wagon  with  these.  We 
traveled  over  about  three  miles  of  very  rough  road. 

22nd.  First-day.  Left  the  cottage  in  the  morning,  and 
drove  to  Stroudsburg  before  meeting-time.  After  attending 
the  meeting,  we  dined  at  Daniel  Stroud's,  and  then  pro- 
ceeded to  Nazareth,  via  Water  Gap.  Nathaniel  had  never 
before  seen  this  stupendous  work  of  nature. 

23rd.  Having  passed  a  comfortable  night  at  Nazareth, 
we  rode  to  Bethlehem  to  breakfast,  and  thence  on  to  Qua- 
kertown  in  time  for  dinner.  In  the  afternoon  Nathaniel 
and  myself  walked  over  to  Joseph  Slifer's,  to  look  at  his 
farm.  We  took  tea  at  Caleb  Foulke's,  but  found  my  dear 
E.  quite  poorly  with  a  cold.  Went  to  John  Foulke's  to 
lodge. 

24th.    Drove  to  Philadelphia,  and  had  rather  an  uncom- 


88 


LIFE    OP    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


fortable  ride,  the  weather  being  wet,  and  our  wagon  requir- 
ing some  repairs  by  the  way. 

25th.  Left  the  city  about  twelve  o'clock,  and  got  home 
in  time  to  plant  our  trees  before  night.  I  felt  as  if  I  could 
renewedly  thank  the  Great  Protector,  who  had  cared  for  us 
on  this  journey,  and  now  had  safely  landed  us  among  our 
friends.  Oh,  He  will  take  care  of  us,  if  we  are  but  faithful, 
for  He  lets  not  a  sparrow  fall  to  the  ground  unnoticed. 

26th.  Seasons  of  refreshment  were  afforded  me  while  at 
my  daily  work. 

27th.  Engaged  in  plowing.  Oh,  how  sweet  it  is  to  pass 
our  time  in  silent  communion  with  the  Giver  of  our  exist- 
ence. It  is  the  height  of  riches.  There  is  nothing  in  this 
world  worthy  to  be  compared  with  it. 

28th.  Visited  my  much  beloved  brother,  Joseph  Parrish, 
who  was  recently  bereft  of  his  father.  Had  a  satisfactory 
evening  with  him  and  his  wife  at  their  home. 

29th.  Attended  Burlington  Meeting,  which  was  silent, 
and  returned  with  my  friends  to  dine.  We  passed  the  af- 
ternoon together  very  comfortably,  and  I  went  home  early. 

31st.  Much  refreshed  with  the  inflowing  of  Divine  love 
to  my  soul. 

Fourth  Month,  1st.  While  on  the  road  was  favored  with 
sweet  communion  with  my  Maker. 

2nd.  At  meeting.  A  comfortable  opportunity.  In  the 
evening  I  wrote  to  Rowland  Johnson.  It  is  very  pleasant 
to  me  to  sit  down  and  communicate  with  those  to  whom  I 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


89 


am  joined  in  a  unity  of  feeling  which  draws  into  the  bond 
of  brotherhood  that  only  death  can  sever. 

3rd.  Harrowing  all  day,  and  found  time  for  seasons  of 
inward  retirement.  When  I  can  "  look  through  Nature  up 
to  Nature's  God,'"  can  hear  the  music  of  birds,  that  seem 
delighted  with  the  return  of  spring,  I  feel  as  if  I  can  par- 
take of  their  joy,  and  unite  with  them  in  praise. 

4th.  I  find  the  necessity  of  daily  watchfulness  unto 
prayer,  that  the  mind  may  be  kept  in  a  proper  state.  To- 
day I  have  been  too  much  inclined  to  dwell  upon  things, 
not  of  themselves  unlawful,  but  having  a  tendency  to  draw 
the  mind  away  from  its  true  center. 

5th.  First-day.  Attended  meeting  this  morning.  The 
forepart  was  unprofitable,  owing  to  a  feeling  of  drowsiness, 
but  the  latter  part  was  very  comfortable.  I  find  that  if 
strictly  faithful,  I  shall  be  cared  for  by  the  great  "  I  Am." 

6th.  I  desire  daily  that,  while  attending  to  my  outward 
duties,  I  may  know  a  gathering  unto  the  Lord,  that  the 
spiritual  day's  work  may  be  going  on,  for  I  feel  that  I  must 
work  out  my  "own  salvation,  with  fear  and  trembling,"  be- 
fore Him. 

7th.  Went  out  to  plow  this  morning,  but  felt  a  great 
drawing  toward  my  city  home.  After  I  had  been  at  work 
about  two  hours,  I  was  called  by  a  voice,  which  proved  to 
be  that  of  my  brother  William.  I  went  to  him,  and  found 
that  he  had  come  to  inform  me  of  the  decease  of  my  much 
beloved  friend — may  I  not  call  him  grandfather — John 

G 


90 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Foulke,  who  departed  this  life  day  before  yesterday,  in  the 
seventy-third  year  of  his  age.  I  accompanied  my  brother 
to  the  city,  arriving  at  father's  in  time  for  dinner.  In  the 
afternoon  mother  and  myself  started  for  Richland,  to  attend 
the  funeral.  We  stopped  over  night  at  William  Foulke's, 
at  Gwynedd,  and  in  the  evening  William  and  I  had  some 
satisfactory  conversation  on  religious  subjects. 

8th.  Our  kind  friends  gave  us  an  early  start,  and  we 
arrived  at  the  funeral  house  before  ten  o'clock.  The  gath- 
ering was  large,  and  we  went  in  to  take  a  look  at  the  face 
of  him  whom  I  had  loved.  It  was  now  cold  and  motionless 
in  death.  After  a  time  of  silence,  Joseph  Foulke  appeared 
in  testimony,  soon  after  which  the  large  company  moved  to 
the  grave-yard,  where  we  saw  deposited  the  remains  of  our 
aged  friend,  and  the  cold  earth  covered  over  him.  We  then 
went  into  the  meeting-house,  and  gathered  into  solemn 
silence.  Soon  Joseph  Thorne  spoke,  and  after  him  Joseph 
Foulke.  I  was  much  exercised  through  the  meeting,  and, 
when  opportunity  offered,  I  arose  and  called  the  people  to 
"  mind  the  light,"  &c.    This  afforded  relief  to  my  mind. 

10th.  Took  leave  of  our  friends  at  Richland,  and  came 
to  the  city,  stopping  a  few  hours  at  Edward  Foulke's,  at 
Gwynedd,  where  we  were  kindly  entertained. 

11th.  In  the  city,  occupied  with  business  matters  and 
calling  on  friends.  I  may  here  remark  that  the  Lord  has 
been  with  me  through  this  journey,  and  I  have  daily  felt 
the  guidance  of  his  Spirit. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


91 


12th.  Rowland  Johnson  and  myself  went  down  town, 
and,  after  taking  some  hread  to  a  poor  woman  who  was 
sick,  and  whose  little  hoy  had  met  us  on  the  street  to  tell  of 
their  destitution,  we  went  to  Moyamensing  Prison.  We 
first  visited  the  cell  of  a  sick  man,  confined  to  his  bed,  who 
was  serving  a  twenty-six  years'  sentence,  and  had  eleven 
years  yet  to  serve.  I  felt  much  pity  for  him.  On  leaving 
this  cell,  we  were  asked  if  we  would  like  to  have  an  oppor- 
tunity in  a  religious  meeting  with  the  prisoners,  and  we 
answered  that  we  would.  So  the  cell-doors  were  thrown 
open,  and  we  took  our  seats  in  the  corridor.  We  passed 
some  time  in  silence,  and  then  Rowland  addressed  the  un- 
seen company,  having  considerable  to  say,  and  I  thought  he 
was  much  favored.  I  felt  great  barrenness,  but  as  the  call 
seemed  to  be  extended,  I  arose  and  had  a  highly  favored 
time — so  much  so  that  I  was  bound  to  return  vocal  thanks- 
giving and  praise  to  our  dear  Lord  for  his  great  goodness 
unto  us.  In  the  afternoon  father  took  me  part  way  to  my 
country  home,  and  I  walked  the  last  two  miles. 

13th.    A  very  comfortable  day. 

14th.  Attended  Monthly  Meeting  at  Moorestown,  and 
felt  much  burdened  with  the  spirit  of  disowning,  believing  it 
to  be  contrary  to  the  true  life  of  Christ. 

loth.  Somewhat  ailing  in  body,  but  felt  the  assurance  of 
peace  of  mind — a  satisfaction  which  can  only  be  found  by 
faithfulness  to  the  light  of  Christ. 

16th.    T  have  desired  that  my  mind  might  be  centered  on 


92 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL   J.  LEVICK. 


Christ  and  my  soul  receive  food  convenient  for  it.  Spent 
part  of  the  evening  in  waiting  upon  the  Lord,  and  the 
remainder  in  writing  to  some  of  my  friends. 

17th.  While  on  the  road  had  a  comfortable  time,  desiring 
that  my  mind  might  be  clothed  with  the  love  of  God  and 
with  thanksgiving  for  his  many  mercies  heaped  upon  me. 

18th.  In  my  evening  retrospection  I  thought  that  I  had, 
during  the  day,  said  too  much  to  my  horses.  I  want  to  be 
careful  that  all  my  actions  may  be  in  unison  with  the  alle- 
giance that  I  owe  to  the  King  Immortal. 

19th.  Attended  our  home  meeting  in  the  morning,  and, 
after  dinner,  Nathaniel  Stokes  and  self  drove  to  the  city 
in  time  for  the  afternoon  meeting  at  Sixth  Street. 

20th.  Attended  the  first  sitting  of  the  Yearly  Meeting. 
It  was  occupied  in  sundry  ways.  In  the  afternoon  the  min- 
utes of  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings  were  read,  from  which  I 
found  that  a  committee  of  that  body  had  been  making  some 
efforts  to  ascertain  the  extent  of  the  African  slave  trade. 
They  reported  that  about  half  a  million  human  beings  are 
annually  taken  from  the  coast  of  Africa. 

21st.  In  both  sittings  of  the  meeting  very  instructive 
matter  was  communicated,  tending  to  our  edification. 
Passed  the  evening  at  father's  with  several  Friends. 

22nd.  Throughout  the  sessions  this  day  I  felt  a  desire  to 
have  my  mind  turned  inward,  and  I  have  experienced  a 
renewal  of  strength. 

23rd.    Went  to  the  public  meeting  at  Orange  Street,  and 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


93 


a  comfortable,  refreshing  season  it  was.  Also  attended  the 
business  meeting  in  the  afternoon.  My  mind  has  been 
much  exercised  in  relation  to  "  Free  Produce,"  and  the 
necessity  of  Friends  being  more  alive  to  the  subject. 

24th.  Attended  both  sessions,  the  afternoon  one  being 
the  last  of  this  Yearly  Meeting.  In  the  forenoon  my  mind 
was  again  brought  under  concern  in  regard  to  the  use  of 
articles  obtained  by  slave  labor.  I  was  thinking  I  should 
have  to  give  expression  to  my  views,  when  Enoch  Lewis 
arose  and  opened  the  subject  clearly,  and  treated  it  satisfac- 
torily. Several  Friends  spoke  approvingly  of  his  remarks. 
I  did  not  feel  easy  to  leave  without  bearing  my  testimony 
to  the  truth  of  what  had  been  said,  and  expressing  my  satis- 
faction that  the  subject  had  claimed  the  attention  of  the 
meeting. 

25th.  Went  home  in  the  afternoon.  As  the  week  is 
about  closing,  I  may  say  that  I  feel  glad  I  attended  the 
meeting,  as  I  was  strengthened  thereby. 

26th.  We  had  a  very  comfortable  meeting;  Benjamin 
Hall,  from  Ohio,  being  in  attendance.  In  the  afternoon, 
attended  the  funeral  of  Edward  Lippincott,  son  of  the  late 
Caleb  Lippincott.  He  has  had  a  suffering  time,  and  for  a 
number  of  years  has  been  a  mute.  It  was  a  large  gather- 
ing, and  in  great  weakness  I  felt  that  I  had  to  open  my 
mouth,  not  on  account  of  the  dead,  but  of  the  living — that 
there  might  be  among  us  more  watchfulness  and  faithful- 
ness to  do  the  Lord's  will. 


94 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


27th.  I  feel  refreshed,  both  within  and  without.  The 
face  of  Nature  is  so  bright,  the  trees  are  in  bloom,  and  the 
birds,  with  their  merry  notes,  seem  to  gladden  the  heart  of 
man,  while  my  dear  Lord  has  been  with  me,  and  I  have 
had  to  praise  his  name. 

29th.    Not  sufficiently  watchful. 

30th.  A  fairly  comfortable  meeting.  Yet  I  could  not 
feel  that  arising  of  life,  that  unity  of  spirit  that  I  so  much 
love  to  feel. 

Fifth  Month  1st.    Went  to  see  Dr.  ,  in  relation  to  a 

poor,  hunted  colored  man  whom  he  had  attended  when  ill. 
But  now  he  wants  his  pay. 

3rd.  A  tolerably  comfortable  meeting.  Had  the  com- 
pany of  Ezra  Leeds  in  the  afternoon. 

5th.  Greatly  favored  with  the  precious  visitations  of 
Divine  love,  and  strengthened  to  walk  in  the  way  of  Truth. 

7th.  At  our  week-day  meeting  I  felt  that  there  was  a 
want  of  that  unity  of  feeling  which  is  required  to  make  us 
acceptable  worshippers  of  our  Heavenly  Father. 

10th.  First-day.  Walked  to  the  city  and  attended  Cherry 
Street  Meeting,  which  was  a  comfortable  one,  and  went  to 
father's  to  dine.  On  sitting  down  at  the  table,  my  mind 
was  much  tendered,  under  a  sense  of  the  goodness  of  our 
Heavenly  Father  in  permitting  us  all  to  be  together,  and  to 
be  partakers  of  so  many  good  things  at  our  father's  table. 
On  behalf  of  my  dear  brother  William,  I  felt  an  especial 
concern  for  his  temporal  and  spiritual  welfare.    In  the  af- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


95 


ternoon  attended  Green  Street  Meeting,  and  had  to  open 
my  mouth  and  give  utterance  to  these  words,  "  Fear  God, 
and  give  glory  to  Him,  for  the  hour  of  his  judgment  is 
come;  and  worship  Him  that  made  heaven  and  earth,  and 
the  sea,  and  the  fountains  of  waters."  After  meeting  went 
to  see  a  woman  who  had  escaped  from  slavery,  and  in  the 
evening  attended  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  on  Slavery, 
held  in  Cherry  Street  Meeting-house. 

11th.  "Went  to  Fourth  and  Green  Streets,  and  attended 
the  opening  session  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  which  is  held 
at  that  place. 

12th.  This  day  attended  both  sessions  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting  (Fourth  and  Green  Streets),  and  a  favored  time  it 
was,  many  hearts  being  tendered  with  a  sense  of  the  love  of 
God.  In  the  evening  went  to  my  country  home,  feeling 
thankful  to  my  Heavenly  Father  for  his  continued  care 
over  me. 

13th.  Fngaged  in  planting  potatoes.  In  the  evening 
took  a  walk,  and  was  blessed  with  the  inshinings  of  Divine 
light,  and  a  flow  of  Divine  love,  which  tendered  my  heart, 
and  caused  tears  of  gratitude  to  flow  from  my  eyes. 

14th.    Had  a  discussion  with  on  the  subject 

of  religion.  It  was  controversial,  and  not  fraught  with 
advantage. 

16th.  Yesterday  and  to-day  in  the  city.  Came  home 
this  evening,  feeling  glad  to  get  into  the  cpiiet. 

17th.    Attended  Westfield  Meeting,  as  usual,  but  there 


96 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


seemed  to  be  a  lack  of  life,  either  in  me  or  in  the  meet- 
ing. 

18th.  After  a  busy  day,  a  peaceful  evening  at  home, 
feeling  renewed  cause  for  thankfulness  to  my  Heavenly 
Father. 

21st.  Attended  our  week-day  meeting  in  the  morning, 
and  in  the  afternoon  went  to  the  city,  and  was  at  the  fune- 
ral of  Ann  R.,  wife  of  Henry  T.  Child.  The  interment 
was  at  Frankford,  and  when  the  company  went  into  the 
meeting-house,  I  had  an  opportunity  to  relieve  my  mind  of 
an  exercise. 

22nd.  Hauling  during  the  day,  and  in  the  evening  con- 
versed with  the  carpenters  (at  work  here)  on  the  subject  of 
slavery. 

23rd.  Seventh-day  evening.  Have  received  much  re- 
freshment this  week  at  my  dear  Master's  table,  for  which  I 
have  cause  to  be  thankful. 

25th.  Assisted  at  the  raising  of  the  barn,  and  in  provid- 
ing the  entertainment  for  the  neighbors  who  came.  It  was 
my  desire  that  I  might  be  kept  in  a  state  of  inward  watch- 
fulness throughout  the  day,  and  I  can  say  that  I  have  been 
cared  for.  The  evening  was  passed  with  C.  Gillingham 
and  family,  to  whom  I  feel  much  attached. 

26th.  While  on  the  road  with  my  team,  my  heart  was 
expanded  with  the  love  of  the  Father,  and,  with  tears,  I 
put  up  the  petition  to  Him  that  He  would  be  with  me  and 
my  dear  brother  William,  and  with  all  of  our  family — yea, 
with  all  the  human  family. 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


97 


29th.    Had  a  little  life  given  to  my  poor  soul. 

30th.  Went  to  the  city,  and  returned  iti  the  evening. 
On  looking  over  the  day,  I  find  not  much  to  regret. 

31st.  At  meeting  was  somewhat  troubled  with  wander- 
ing thoughts.  Had  a  communication  from  T.  Warrington, 
in  which  he  referred  to  the  danger  of  getting  into  a  luke- 
warm state,  and  going  to  meeting  in  a  formal  way.  I  felt 
much  unity  with  his  exercise. 

Sixth  Month  1st.  Was  dressing  the  corn  with  a  horse 
that  would  go  too  fast.  I  endeavored  to  be  patient,  but 
found  that  I  was  in  a  poor  state  as  regarded  spiritual  life. 
In  the  evening  at  the  house  of  a  Friend,  where  there  was 
young  company.  While  they  were  enjoying  themselves  I 
felt  quiet  and  retired. 

2nd.  Rather  too  much  given  to  hasty  speaking  while  at 
my  work. 

3rd.  Had  a  comfortable  season  this  afternoon,  the  Lord 
being  near  unto  me.  I  feel  that  I  am  in  the  line  of  my 
duty  in  laboring  as  a  farmer.  My  mind  has  been  much  ex- 
ercised of  late,  on  account  of  a  concern  that  rests  upon  it, 
but  I  wish  to  bear  it  in  patience. 

4th.  Our  week-day  meeting  rather  a  dull  one  to  me; 
I  had  used  considerable  exercise  before  I  went,  and  was 
somewhat  affected  with  drowsiness,  although  I  desired  to 
be  on  the  watch. 

Last  month  will  be  remembered  as  one  in  which  much 
destruction  was  permitted.    The  valley  of  the  Mississippi 


98 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


was  inundated,  its  cities  much  damaged,  and  at  Natchez  an 
awful  tornado  destroyed  many  lives  and  much  property. 

5th.  Time  passes  away,  one  day  after  another,  and  we 
are  drawing  nearer  and  nearer  to  our  final  destination. 
My  desire  is  that  I  may  he  prepared  to  inhabit  a  mansion 
of  eternal  peace. 

6th.  I  have  cause  to  regret  that  so  much  of  my  time  has 
been  spent  in  thinking  on  subjects  that  do  not  tend  to  my 
spiritual  advancement  nor  promote  the  growth  of  the  good 
seed  in  me. 

7th.  First-day.  I  have  felt  very  barren,  though  a  part  of 
the  meeting  was  comfortable. 

8th.  The  passing  of  day  after  day  reminds  me  that  we 
are  all  hastening  toward  "  that  bourne  from  whence  no 
traveler  returns."  This  day  I  have  felt  inwardly  comfort- 
able. 

9th.  Attended  Chester  Monthly  Meeting.  I  had  re- 
newed cause  to  mourn  over  the  spirit  that  pervades  the 
hearts  of  some  at  this  meeting.  In  the  evening  was  favored 
with  the  blessed  rays  of  Divine  light  shining  in  my  heart. 

10th.  While  at  work  had  a  favored  season,  and  was 
refreshed  with  Divine  love. 

12th.  During  the  day  I  felt  the  effects  of  yesterday's 
disobedience,  but  this  evening  have  found  some  comfort. 
"We  must  be  faithful,  if  we  expect  to  have  the  language  of 
"  Well  done"  applied  to  us  by  our  Heavenly  Father. 

13th.    Worked  till  noon,  and  in  the  afternoon  went  to 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


09 


the  city.  I  had  a  pleasant  ride,  being  favored  with  a  sense 
of  Divine  love.  I  feel  the  necessity  of  daily  walking  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord.  Passed  most  of  the  evening  at  father's 
very  agreeably. 

14th.  First-day.  My  mind  being  drawn  to  Cherry  Street 
Meeting,  I  went  there,  and  was  favored  with  Divine  light 
and  strength.  After  a  communication  from  Geo.  Truman, 
I  felt  in  duty  bound  to  stand  up,  and  hand  forth  to  the 
people  what  was  given  me.  I  did  so,  to  the  comfort  and 
peace  of  my  own  mind. 

15th.  Passed  the  afternoon  and  evening  at  Moorestown, 
in  company  with  L.  B.  We  conversed  on  the  subject  of 
non-resistance,  and  I  think  our  interview  was  a  profitable 
one.    If  we  are  faithful,  we  shall  find  much  to  do. 

16th.  The  day  was  passed  at  my  plow.  In  this  occupa- 
tion I  find  much  time  for  solemn  waiting  on  the  Lord.  I 
desire  that  I  may  continue  to  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  love 
of  our  Heavenly  Father,  even  from  the  babe  to  the  young 
man,  yea,  to  the  strong  man  in  Christ  Jesus.  But  it  is  only 
through  faithfulness  that  these  states  can  be  attained. 

17th.    Went  to  the  city,  on  my  way  to  Quakertown. 

18th.  Took  the  stage  at  four  o'clock,  and  arrived  at 
Caleb  Foulkes's  about  noon.  Found  my  dear  Ellen  very 
well. 

21st.  First-day.  At  Richland  Meeting,  Joseph  Thorne 
was  led  to  speak  to  the  people  in  an  impressive  manner, 
and,  after  he  had  taken  his  seat,  my  mind  being  much 


100 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


exercised,  I  arose  with  these  words,  "  If  any  man  will  come 
after  me,"  said  the  blessed  Jesus,  "  let  him  deny  himself, 
and  take  up  his  cross  and  follow  me."  I  was  constrained 
to  speak  to  them  on  the  subject  of  attending  mid-week 
meetings.  I  felt  much  peace,  and  was  led  to  kneel  before 
the  Throne  of  Grace  on  our  behalf.  Our  dear  friend,  Ivezia 
Foulke,  then  bore  her  testimony  to  the  truth  of  what  bad 
been  said. 

22nd.  Returned  to  Philadelphia,  and  in  the  evening 
called  on  Susan  Parrish,  widow  of  Dr.  Jos.  Parrish,  whom 
I  found  well. 

23rd.  'Kept  office  for  father  while  he  went  to  meeting, 
and  a  solemn  meeting  it  proved  to  be.  John  North,  hav- 
ing something  to  communicate,  had  spoken  some  time,  and 
soon  after  resuming  his  seat  he  fell  over.  He  was  promptly 
assisted  and  medical  aid  was  at  hand,  but  in  less  than  half 
an  hour  he  expired. 

24th.  At  home,  and  busily  occupied  with  hay-making. 
We  find  that  each  day  brings  with  it  its  labor,  and  may  we 
be  instructed  to  continue  a  daily  labor  for  the  salvation  of 
our  never-dying  souls. 

25th.  Passed  the  evening  in  reading  the  Scriptures  of 
Truth. 

27th.  May  we  be  careful  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation 
wherewith  we  are  called,  "  looking  unto  Jesus,  the  Author 
and  Finisher  of  our  faith." 

28th.    Wrote  to  E.  F.,  also  to  John  C.  Lester,  and  was 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


101 


much  favored  with  Divine  strength.  May  glory  and  honor 
be  ascribed  unto  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 

29th.  The  time  of  gathering  in  the  crops  is  a  season  of 
much  interest  to  us  farmers.  Our  Heavenly  Father  has 
provided  bountifully  for  us,  and  our  hearts  should  be  tilled 
with  gratitude  for  these  great  blessings,  and  surrendered 
unto  Him,  that  He  may  preserve  us  from  all  iniquity. 

30th.  I  desire,  daily,  to  be  led  and  guided  by  the  Spirit 
of  Truth.  My  infirmities  are  many,  yet  my  dear  Heavenly 
Father,  at  seasons,  refreshes  my  soul  with  spiritual  food. 
May  glory  be  ascribed  unto  Him  forever. 

Seventh  Month  1st.  In  silence  have  I  poured  forth  ray 
soul  before  the  Lord,  and  He' has  been  pleased  to  be  near 
me,  giving  me  to  partake  of  the  bread  of  life,  which 
strengthens  the  soul. 

3rd.  I  sometimes  have  seasons  of  barrenness,  owing,  I 
believe,  to  a  want  of  more  watchfulness  over  my  thoughts. 

4th.  This  evening  has  been  to  me  one  of  sweet  commu- 
nion with  my  Creator,  in  which  He  was  pleased  to  be  near 
me,  and  to  speak  with  me,  and  I  with  Him.  Such  blessed 
enjoyment  is  preferable  to  any  that  earth  can  afford. 

5th.  I  have,  for  some  time  past,  felt  a  desire  to  attend 
Westfield  Friends'  Meeting  (other  branch),  and  feeling  this 
desire  increasing,  I  went  there  to-day  and  had  a  good 
meeting.  After  Chalkley  Gillingham  had  spoken,  I  felt 
that  I  must  arise,  although  it  was  a  trial  to  the  natural  man 


102 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


so  to  do,  but  I  was  obedient,  and  was  strengthened,  to  my 
joy  and  peace. 

7th.  Advancing  time  brings  us  nearer  to  the  end  of  our 
earthly  journey.  That  we  may  be  prepared  to  go  is  my 
desire. 

8th.  Throughout  the  day  found  seasons  for  contempla- 
tion and  meditation,  in  which  my  heart  could  give  praise 
unto  the  Lord. 

12th.  Went  with  Chalkley  Gillingham  to  Frankford, 
Pa.  He  attended  a  meeting  of  our  colored  friends,  and  I 
went  to  the  Friends'  meeting  on  Unity  Street.  Thus  each 
of  us  performed  his  individual  duty  and  had  his  reward. 
Came  home  in  the  evening. 

15th. .  Brought  my  sisters,  Mary  and  Elizabeth,  from  the 
city  to  make  a  visit  here. 

16th.  Gathering  in  an  abundant  harvest,  which  a  kind 
Father  has  given  :  should  not  our  hearts  return  thanks  for 
his  love  and  goodness  unto  us. 

17th.  One  year  ago  to-day,  I  placed  my  foot  on  this  soil 
as  a  resident.  I  can  say  that  I  have  derived  considerable 
knowledge  in  regard  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  and  that 
it  continues  to  increase,  the  longer  I  am  engaged  in  these 
pursuits.  I  hope  that  there  has  also  been  a  growth  in  the 
knowledge  of  heavenly  things. 

19th.  Took  my  sisters  with  me  to  Burlington,  where 
we  arrived  in  time  for  meeting.  An  excellent  meeting  it 
proved  to  be.    A  friend  from  Long  Island  and  our  dear 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


103 


father,  John  Cox,  appeared  in  testimony.  The  latter  was 
remarkably  favored,  and  my  soul  did  feast  on  his  ministry. 
I  was  brought  to  appear  before  the  Throne  of  Grace  and 
thank  the  Lord  that,  by  his  power,  the  debility  of  age  was 
led  to  speak  forth -with  the  vigor  of  youth. 

20th.  What  a  comfort  it  is  that,  while  our  hands  are 
employed  in  our  daily  occupation,  the  spirit  may  be  in  uni- 
son with  our  Creator. 

22nd.  Went  to  the  city,  and  prepared  for  a  visit  to 
Chester  County. 

23rd.  Taking  mother  and  Anna  with  me,  I  started  for  a 
visit  to  our  Chester  County  relatives  and  friends.  We 
dined  at  Paoli,  and  then  proceeded  to  the  house  of  cousin 
Jabez  Jenkins  in  West  Chester. 

24th.  Cousin  Mary  Jenkins  took  a  ride  on  our  horse, 
and,  after  her  return,  Elizabeth  Coates  attempted  it,  but 
she  not  being  accustomed  to  horseback  riding,  nor  much 
acquainted  with  the  management  of  a  horse,  he  became 
frightened,  and  came  very  near  running  away  with  her. 
I  caught  him  in  time  to  prevent  what  might  have  been  a 
serious  accident.  This  experience  should  be  a  caution  to 
me  and  to  others,  not  to  let  any  one  unacquainted  with  the 
management  of  horses  start  off'  alone.  In  the  evening  we 
went  to  cousin  Abner  Coates's. 

25th.  Spent  a  considerable  portion  of  the  forenoon  in 
reading  the  remarks  of  Joseph  John  Gurney  on  the  "  Sab- 
bath Day/'  as  he  here  terms  it.   After  an  attentive  perusal, 


104 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


by  which  I  gained  considerable  information,  I  must  say 
that  I  cannot  unite  with  him  in  his  conclusions  with  regard 
to  this  matter. 

26th.  Attended  Downingtown  Meeting,  and  was  led  into 
much  exercise  of  spirit  from  a  fear  that  impressed  me  con- 
cerning these  people.  In  much  humility,  I  stood  forth,  and 
said  what  seemed  to  be  required  of  me.  In  the  evening  I 
felt  the  assurance  of  having  performed  my  day's  work  to 
the  honor  of  his  blessed  Name. 

27th.  Reading  in  Daniel  Wheeler's  Journal,  and  visiting 
several  friends  in  Downingtown.  That  we  may  make  our 
"  calling  and  election  sure,"  is  the  desire  of  my  heart, 

28th.  In  the  morning  left  Ann  Coates's,  and  proceeded 
to  Westtown  School.  I  spent  an  hour  or  more  with  David 
Reese,  and  then  had  Joseph  Stokes  called  out.  He  and  I 
went  down  to  the  farm-house,  and  then  took  a  walk  to- 
gether. Toward  evening  we  went  over  to  Israel  Howell's. 
We  found  his  daughter  very  ill  indeed,  but  she  is  ready  to 
leave  this  world  for  a  "  more  exceeding  weight  of  glory."* 

29th.  Went  to  Concord,  and  I  attended  the  mid-week 
meeting  of  the  other  branch  of  Friends.  Though  few  in 
number,  we  had  a  comfortable  meeting.  Philena  Marshall 
spoke  at  some  length,  after  which  I,  feeling  a  word  to 
arise  in  the  life,  gave  it  forth.  It  was  by  way  of  encour- 
agement, not  to  grow  weary  in  well-doing,  but  to  "  press 

*  She  died  on  the  fifteenth  of  the  following  month,  making  a  peaceful  close. 
(See  account  of  Mary  Mott  Howell  in  "  Piety  Promoted,"  Vol.  V.) 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


105 


toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord."  The  afternoon  was  passed  pleas- 
antly at  Ellis  Marshall's. 

30th.  Went  to  Wilmington,  Delaware,  to  visit  at  S. 
Woolston's.  Also  called  on  some  other  friends.  Had  con- 
versation with  Philena  Woolston  on  spiritual  things. 

31st.  Drove  to  Philadelphia,  stopping  at  Chester  to  dine 
and  visit.  It  was  about  sunset  when  we  reached  father's; 
all  well.  We  have  had  a  very  pleasant  time,  nothing  hav- 
ing occurred  to  mar  the  enjoyment  of  our  visit;  and  I  may 
say  we  have  renewed  cause  for  thankfulness  unto  Him  who 
watches  over  his  family  and  keeps  them  as  in  the  hollow  of 
his  holy  hand. 

Eighth  Month  1st.  Although  I  had  left  my  Jersey  home 
only  on  the  22nd  ult.,  yet  I  went  back  to-day  to  visit  the 
family.  Dined  with  them,  and  passed  part  of  the  after- 
noon ;  then  called  at  Chalkley  Gillingham's  and  went  thence 
to  Camden  via  Moorestown.  I  arrived  at  the  ferry  in  time 
to  get  over ;  so  went  to  father's,  and  was  occupied  in  get- 
ting ready  for  a  long  trip  westward. 

2nd.  First-day.  H.  T.  Child,  R.  Johnson  and  self  went 
to  Moyamensing  prison  in  the  morning.  On  our  way  down 
I  felt  the  weight  of  the  undertaking  very  much,  and  in  fear 
and  trembling  desired  a  proper  qualification  to  perform  the 
duties  assigned  me.  After  taking  our  places  we  sat  awhile 
in  solemn  silence,  when  I  felt  bound  to  arise,  and  in  the 
power  of  the  ever-blessed  Truth  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings 
7 


100 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


of  the  Gospel  to  the  people.  Rowland  followed  me  and 
spoke  very  impressively.  Then  I  was  led  to  approach  the 
Throne  of  Grace,  and  was  favored  to  perform  the  solemn 
service  to  the  glory  of  Him  to  whom  it  is  due. 

[In  the  autumn  of  1840,  S.  J.  L.  went  with  his  father  on 
a  journey  to  what  was  then  "  the  West."    See  Appendix]. 

Fifth  Month  7th,  1841.  Believing  that  it  will  he  right 
for  me  to  keep  an  account  of  the  passing  time,  I  have  com- 
menced this  morning,  at  my  new  home — called  "  Spring 
Lawn'" — hoping  that  there  may  be  nothing  written  but 
what  is  consistent  with  the  light  of  Truth. 

Since  my  journey  with  my  father  to  the  Western  States, 
I  have  passed  most  of  my  time  in  the  city,  though  fre- 
quently absent  for  short  periods.  I  was  much  engaged  in 
seeking  a  farm  that  would  be  suitable  for  a  home,  as  I  had 
a  prospect  of  settling  myself  in  the  spring.  After  a  con- 
siderable search,  my  father  and  myself  decided  upon  pur- 
chasing the  farm  of  ,  near  Moorestown,  N.  J.,  and  a 

few  miles  distant  from  that  of  Nathaniel  Stokes,  where  I 
obtained  my  knowledge  of  farming.  It  is  a  valuable  prop- 
erty, and  the  price  was  agreed  upon.  It  was  late  in  the 
autumn  when  we  decided  to  take  it.  About  that  time  I  felt 
a  drawing  to  pay  a  visit,  in  the  State  of  Delaware,  to  the 
neighborhood  where  my  paternal  grandparents  had  resided  ; 
also  to  attend  the  Southern  Quarter  and  some  of  the  meet- 
ings composing  it.  My  aunt  Deborah  Levick  and  my  friend 
Rowland  Johnson  were  with  me  at  the  Quarter,  and  R.  ac- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


107 


eompanied  rac  as  far  as  the  meeting  at  Little  Creek.  I  had 
considerable  labor  to  perform  at  these  meetings,  as  an  in- 
strument in  the  Lord's  hand  to  call  the  attention  of  the 
people  to  that  Light  which  enlightens  every  rational  being, 
and  which,  if  abode  in,  will  lead  to  that  city  which  needeth 
not  the  light  of  the  sun  by  day,  nor  of  the  moon  by  night, 
"for  the  glory  of  God  did  lighten  it,  and  the  Lamb  is  the 
light  thereof." 

I  visited  the  meetings  at  Camden  and  Sirryrna,  and  at 
the  latter  place,  before  going  into  meeting,  the  Friend  at 
whose  house  we  were  stopping  called  me  aside  to  deliver  to 
me  a  cautionary  message.  He  stated  that  a  member  had 
expressed  to  him  a  desire  that  I  would  not  speak  on  the 
subject  of  slavery,  and  had  requested  him  to  inform  me  to 
that  effect ;  adding  that,  if  I  did,  it  would  create  an  excite- 
ment. He  then  referred  to  the  treatment  to  which  Daniel 
Xeal  had  been  subjected  when  traveling  in  company  with 
Lucretia  Mott  a  short  time  before.  He  was  "  tarred,  feath- 
ered and  ridden  upon  a  rail."  I  replied  to  this  Friend  that 
I  knew  not  whether  I  should  say  a  word  in  the  meeting; 
neither  did  I  know  of  what  nature  it  would  be  if  I  should 
have  anything  to  offer;  but  such  as  it  should  be,  I  must 
speak  it.  He  said  no  more  on  the  subject.  Thus  we  see 
the  fear  of  man — how  it  tends  to  bind  us  to  the  earth,  and 
to  shut  our  mouths  and  cause  us  to  cease  pleading  for  the 
poor  and  oppressed,  and  showing  to  the  oppressors  their 
sins.    Such  situations  are  trials  of  our  faith  ;  and  if  we  do 


108 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


not  stand  near  the  God  of  our  lives,  we  shall  find  that  the 
enemy  will  have  power  over  us,  and  we  shall  feel  weak  in- 
deed. But,  thanks  he  to  my  dear  Heavenly  Parent,  He  was 
with  me  on  this  occasion,  and  He  qualified  me  to  bear  testi- 
mony to  his  glorious  Truths.  In  the  language  of  lamenta- 
tion I  was  called  upon  to  address  them,  even  as  the  blessed 
Jesus  did  the  people  of  Jerusalem.  "  0  Jerusalem,  Jeru- 
salem, thou  that  killest  the  prophets,  and  stonest  them 
which  are  sent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  I  have  gathered 
thy  children  together,  even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens 
under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not." 

From  Smyrna  I  went  to  Cantwell's  Bridge,  where  the 
meeting  was  small,  but  to  me  it  was  an  interesting  one.  I 
went  home  with  John  Allston  and  stayed  over  night;  then 
took  the  steamboat  for  Philadelphia. 

During  the  winter  I  endeavored  to  make  myself  useful  in 
visiting  the  poor,  and  supplying  them  with  wood,  from  an 
association  of  which  I  was  a  member. 

I  attended  several  meetings  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
city,  and  had  a  favored  religious  opportunity  at  the  board- 
ing school  for  girls,  kept  by  my  friends  John  and  Rachel 
Jackson  at  Sharon  Hill. 

Various  matters  of  personal  interest  occurred  during  the 
winter,  though  I  was  not  much  of  the  time  away  from  the 
city.  As  the  season  advanced  I  began  to  prepare  for  farm- 
ing, also  to  look  toward  the  accomplishment  of  our  mutual 
intention — that  of  marriage — with  my  dear  friend  Ellen 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


109 


Foulke.  Accordingly,  in  the  early  part  of  Second  Month, 
we  laid  our  intentions  of  marriage  before  Richland  Monthly 
Meeting,  of  which  she  is  a  member.  I  may  here  mention 
that  I  had  left  the  North  Meeting,  of  which  I  was  a  birth- 
right member,  and  had  had  my  name  entered  as  a  member 
on  the  books  of  Green  Street  Monthly  Meeting. 

Soon  after  this,  on  paying  a  visit  to  the  farm  for  which  I 
had  contracted,  I  found  quite  unsettled  about  part- 
ing with  it;  and  before  I  left  him,  he  seemed  inclined  to 
annul  the  contract  which  we  had  made.  Such  a  change 
was  quite  unlooked  for,  and  I  knew  not  just  how  to  pro- 
ceed at  so  late  a  date.  On  returning  to  the  city,  and  inform- 
ing father  what  had  transpired,  I  gave  him  a  great  surprise. 
Like  myself,  he  was  much  disappointed  ;  but  though  our 
plans  were  thwarted,  the  uncertainty  did  not  produce  un- 
easiness in  my  mind,  for  my  dear  Master  was  pleased  to  be 
with  me,  and  my  spirit  was  calm  and  composed  in  the  be- 
lief that  the  Lord  would  make  a  way  for  me,  even  where 
there  appeared  to  be  no  way.  Time  went  on,  and  the  matter 
remained  in  a  state  of  suspense,  until  the  evening  previous 
to  the  day  of  my  departure  from  the  city  to  accomplish  my 

marriage.    Then  I  received  word  from   that  he  had 

decided  to  keep  the  farm.  Thus  was  I  thrown  out  of  a  home 
for  my  wife  and  myself,  just  on  the  eve  of  our  marriage, 
and  when  I  thought  I  had  a  desirable  one  provided.  But 
the  Lord  was  with  me,  and  his  holy  power  strengthened 
me,  causing  me  to  feel  a  quiet  confidence  that  a  way  would 


110 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


be  opened  for  us.  On  arriving  at  the  home  of  my  dear 
Ellen,  I  informed  her  of  what  had  taken  place,  and  she 
seemed  to  bear  it  as  if  knowing  that  there  is  One  who 
takes  care  of  his  children. 

Some  inquiry  had  been  made  about  a  farm  near  this  place, 
and  my  intended  father-in-law  informed  me  that  he  thought 
it  could  be  obtained  for  us. 

Fourth  Month  3rd,  1841.  Ellen  Foulke  and  myself  were 
united  in  marriage  at  Richland  Meeting.  The  meeting  was 
a  comfortable  one,  and  my  mind  was  kept  in  a  hoi}'  calm, 
the  strength  of  Israel's  Shepherd  being  measurably  bestowed 
upon  us.  The  remainder  of  the  day  was  passed  at  the  house 
of  my  father-in-law,  Caleb  Foulke,  in  a  becoming  manner. 
In  the  evening,  before  the  company  separated,  we  gathered 
into  silence,  and  the  wing  of  Divine  love  being  spread  over 
us,  we  were  tendered  under  its  influence.  Our  friends 
Joseph  Thorne  and  Rowland  Johnson  ministered  unto  the 
company,  and  my  spirit  being  bowed,  I  kneeled  in  vocal 
supplication.  May  glory,  honor  and  praise  be  ascribed  to 
Israel's  unslumbering  Shepherd  for  this  favored  opportunity. 
Thus  closed  our  marriage-day ;  a  day  to  be  remembered  by 
us  as  one  having  the  seal  of  Divine  approval  stamped  upon 
its  proceedings.  May  the  good  Father,  by  his  Holy  Spirit, 
qualify  us  to  do  our  part  in  advancing  his  glorious  cause. 
After  passing  a  few  days  with  our  friends  at  Quakertown, 
we  went  to  Philadelphia  and  spent  some  time  in  visiting 
our  friends  in  the  city.    In  regard  to  a  home  we  were  still 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


Ill 


in  a  state  of  uncertainty,  and 'it  was  not  until  about  two 
weeks  after  our  marriage  that  we  knew  where  we  should  be 
settled.  We  then  purchased  from  Joseph  and  Mary  Siif'er, 
a  farm  of  eighty-five  acres,  situated  in  Richland  Township, 
Bucks  County,  Pa.,  about  one  mile  from  Richland  Meeting- 
house, and  from  father  Foulke's.  We  named  our  newly 
acquired  possession  "  Spring  Lawn,"  and  settled  upon  it  on 
the  eighth  day  of  Fourth  Month,  1841.  In  the  first  few 
weeks  of  our  home-making  and  farming  we  had  our  trials 
and  discouragements;  my  dear  wife  was  ailing  for  a  con- 
siderable time,  the  weather  was  wet,  the  season  backward, 
and  I  lost  a  valuable  horse.  I  want  to  be  instructed  by 
these  dispensations,  for  I  feel  that  I  am  young,  and,  being 
now  the  head  of  a  household,  I  realize  my  lack  of  experi- 
ence. But  through  all  we  have  abundant  cause  to  adore 
the  Father  of  Mercies  for  his  provident  care  over  us  ;  so 
may  praises  be  ascribed  unto  his  great  and  glorious  name. 

Our  grandmother  Green  departed  this  life  last  Fifth-day, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-six  years,  and  a  sister  of  hers  died  a 
few  days  before,  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-seven.  Re- 
markable instances  of  longevity. 

Fifth  Month  25th.  I  have  attended  all  the  sessions  of 
our  Yearly  Meeting  in  Philadelphia  (Fourth  and  Green 
Streets),  and  felt  comforted  in  being  there,  though  we  had 
to  deplore  the  low  state  of  society,  as  shown  in  the  reports 
from  the  different  quarters.    A  worldly  spirit  seems  to  have 


112 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


eaten  up  the  good  seed  of  the  kingdom  that  has  heen  sown 
in  the  heart  of  every  creature. 

26th.  Wrote  to  my  friends,  Rowland  Johnson  and  Wil- 
liam Ellis,  two  to  whom  I  am  closely  allied  in  feeling,  as  I 
believe  that  they  are  endeavoring  to  do  the  Lord's  work. 
I  desire  that  they  may  he  kept  near  the  watch-tower  of  safety 
— even  Christ,  the  power  of  God — and  hy  meekness  and 
humility  to  know  a  being  led  in  his  paths,  which  are,  indeed, 
paths  of  peace.  In  the  afternoon,  mother,  brother  William 
and  sister  Anna  arrived  from  the  city.  We  were  much 
pleased  to  see  them;  as  to  have  the  company  of  those  to 
whom  I  am  so  closely  allied  by  consanguinity,  I  number 
among  my  many  blessings. 

27th.  Attended  meeting  this  morning,  and  felt  that  we 
were  lean  and  poor.  Oh,  saith  my  spirit,  that  we  may  be 
more  alive !  Clouds  appear  to  obscure  the  spiritual  hori- 
zon, and  the  light  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness  seems  to  be 
shut  out  from  my  vision.  But,  let  us  not  Taint  in  the  win- 
ter season,  neither  take  our  flight  on  the  Sabbath-day ;  but 
wait,  keeping  low,  and  the  Lord  will,  in  his  own  time,  arise 
for  our  deliverance. 

28th.  Last  night  I  was  awakened  from  a  sound  sleep, 
and  alarmed  to  find  my  dear  E.  coughing,  and  raising  blood 
from  the  lungs.  This  morning  she  appears  to  be  quiet  and 
composed,  though  very  weak.  A  holy  calm  has  pervaded 
my  own  mind  since  recovering  from  the  shock  at  first  ex- 
perienced. 


EARLY    MANHOOD.  113 

29th.  I  can,  in  truth,  say,  that  hard  things  are  being 
made  easy,  and  crooked  things  straight  to  me  ;  and  although 
my  beloved  one  has  been,  and  still  is,  poorly,  yet  I  believe 
that  all  things  will  "  work  together  for  good  to  them  that 
love  God."  I  feel  that  I  am  not  as  good,  nor  as  much  con- 
cerned about  good  as  I  ought  to  be;  yet  my  hands  hang 
not  down,  for  I  believe  that  way  will  be  made  for  me,  if 
only  I  am  more  watchful  and  quiet ;  more  willing  to  take 
up  the  cross  and  keep  humble.    My  prayer  is  so  to  be. 

30th.  First-day.  Attended  meeting,  in  which  I  experi- 
enced great  want  and  inward  hunger  for  the  bread  of  life, 
which  led  me  to  fear  that  I  should  have  to  go  empty  away. 
But  the  Lord — oh,  blessed  be  his  name ! — in  the  richness  of 
his  mercy  and  love,  saw  meet  to  open  his  storehouse,  and  to 
pour  out  upon  us  a  portion  of  Heavenly  bread,  with  a  com- 
mand to  me  to  distribute  it.  In  great  fear  I  bore  my  testi- 
mony, and  the  Lord's  power  was  over  us  so  perceptibly  that 
some  were  tendered  under  this  love.  The  reward  of  obedi- 
ence crowned  my  labors,  which  was  a  great  comfort  to  me 
in  this  season  of  outward  trial.  On  returning  home  found 
my  dear  wife  quite  comfortable,  though  at  times  suffering 
from  oppression,  as  was  the  case  during  last  night. 

In  the  afternoon  G.  B.  called  to  see  me,  and  we  conversed 
about  the  things  which  appertain  to  the  welfare  of  the  im- 
mortal soul.  Called  in  the  evening  to  see  our  afflicted 
neighbor,  AVilliam  Mause,  whose  daughter  Ann  died  quite 
suddenly;  another  daughter  is  lying  very  ill. 


114 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


May  these  dispensations  have  an  influence  over  all  our 
minds,  that  we  may  search  them  to  find  whether  our  lamps 
are  trimmed  ready  for  burning.  Search  me.,  0  Lord,  and 
prove  me,  and  if  there  be  anything  wrong  in  me,  purge 
Thou  it  away  ! 

31st.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Ann  Mause,  and  at  the 
grave  was  led  to  call  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the  neces- 
sity of  an  individual  examination  of  their  states.  Many 
young  people  were  there,  and  were  much  tendered.  May 
praises  be  ascribed  unto  our  God. 

Sixth  Month  1st.  I  record  the  kindness  of  our  neighbors, 
assisting  us  in  different  ways. 

2nd.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  other  daughter  of  Wil- 
liam Mause.  It  was  a  baptizing  time.  I  was  enabled  to 
relieve  my  mind.  I  want  to  be  faithful  in  doing  what  seems 
to  be  required  of  me ;  though  I  know  that  of  myself  I  can 
do  nothing  to  advance  my  Master's  cause. 

3rd.    Fine  clear  morning.    Took  my  dear  wife  out. 

4th.  Thomas  Wickersham,  of  Beaver  Falls,  Penna.,  was 
at  our  Monthly  Meeting,  and  was  lively  in  testimony.  It 
was  a  comfortable  meeting. 

5th.  My  dear  wife  is  quite  weak,  but  improving.  I  at- 
tended a  public  sale  and  made  some  purchases.  I  find  the 
necessity  for  care  lest  we  get  off  our  guard  at  such  places. 

6th.  First-day.  At  our  meeting  I  was  brought  under 
exercise  on  account  of  a  lack  of  proper  observance  of  the 
hour  for  gathering.    In  the  line  of  obedience  I  was  favored 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


115 


to  lay  the  concern  before  Friends,  knowing  that  we  poor 
creatures  can  only  do  our  part  by  being  willing  to  do  what 
the  Lord  assigns  us.  If  there  were  more  indwelling  of  spirit 
we  might  be  in  a  state  of  fitness  to  do  what  may  be  called 
for  at  our  hands. 

7th.  A  fine  clear  morning.  I  took  my  dear  wife  down 
to  see  her  sister,  Marietta  Penrose.  While  at  work  on  my 
farm,  was  favored  with  a  portion  of  Heavenly  bread,  which 
was  very  refreshing  to  my  soul. 

8th.  Felt  a  holy  calm  cover  my  mind,  which  is  worth 
more  to  possess  than  all  the  world.  A  peace  with  all  men  ; 
no  angry,  jealous  nor  envious  feelings  pervade  the  breast, 
but  quiet  reigns.  It  is  a  peace  that  the  world  know  s  not 
of;  that  it  can  neither  give  nor  take  away. 

25th.  The  health  of  my  dear  wife  appears  to  be  improv- 
ing. Since  my  last  entry,  father  and  Aunt  Deborah  bave 
been  up  to  see  us,  also  my  sister  Elizabeth.  I  have  at  sea- 
sons been  brought  under  exercise  in  our  meetings,  on  ac- 
count of  our  indifference  to  the  things  appertaining  to  the 
salvation  of  our  souls.  Unless  we  are  alive  and  diligent  we 
cannot  expect  to  be  joining  with  the  Heavenly  host  in  ascrib- 
ing glory  to  God.  For  myself  I  have  desired  to  be  found 
walking  in  the  light,  and  keeping  strictly  in  the  path  of 
duty,  without  swerving  either  to  the  right  hand  or  the  left. 
It  requires  daily  watchfulness  to  prevent  the  enemy  of  our 
soul's  peace  from  insinuating  himself  into  our  hearts.  A 
man's  worst  enemies  are  those  of  his  own  household;  they 


116  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

are  within  himself;  his  own  will,  his  natural  propensities — 
all  good  of  themselves — when  he  looks  to  himself  as  the 
director,  move  not  in  harmony,  hut  engender  strife  and  dis- 
cord, whence  flows  that  long  list  of  evils  with  which  earth 
is  tilled.  But  the  power  to  subdue  these  internal  enemies 
is  given  to  all  those  who  seek  the  Lord  with  their  whole 
heart. 

Seventh  Month  4th.  For  a  week  past  we  have  been 
busily  engaged  in  hay-making.  Our  bountiful  Creator  has 
blessed  us  with  a  crop,  and  we  have  been  favored  to  gather 
it  in  good  order,  without  over  exertion  on  the  part  of  any 
of  the  laborers.  I  have  feared  that  there  are  some  who,  at 
these  seasons,  exact  too  much  labor  from  those  they  have 
employed.  While  industry  and  energy  are  necessary  in  the 
accomplishment  of  any  kind  of  business,  yet  I  believe  our 
beneticent  Creator  never  designed  that  a  man  should  so 
labor  as  to  make  life  a  burden.  The  spirit  of  self-aggrand- 
izement has  so  powerful  an  influence  over  our  minds,  that 
we  forget  that  peaceful,  sober,  quiet  way  which  always 
marks  the  path  of  those  who  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness.  My  desire  is  that  I  may  not  be  carried 
away  with  this  spirit,  but  may  walk  in  the  light  which  has 
been  given  unto  me  for  my  director.  It  is  my  concern  daily 
to  seek  the  Lord,  and  to  be  watchful  over  the  thoughts  that 
take  possession  of  my  mind. 

I  have  passed  through  various  exercises  since  the  last 
entry  was  made  in  my  diary,  and  though  feeling  weak,  I 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


117 


have  been  enabled  to  press  forward.  I  have  been  concerned 
that  we  may  be  more  plain  and  circumspect  in  our  outward 
lives;  and  especially  in  our  apparel;  believing  that  every 
unnecessary  appendage  about  our  attire  has  a  tendency  to 
bind  heavy  burdens  upon  the  poor,  and  to  oppress  the  needy. 

Last  Fifth-day  my  mind  was  brought  under  exercise  on 
account  of  the  smallness  of  our  meeting.  As  all  that  we 
have  is  the  Lord's,  we  need  not  hesitate  to  leave  our  crops 
while  we  go  to  wait  upon  Him,  and  thus  fulfill  his  require- 
ment, for  He  does  not  require  of  us  anything  that  is  not  of 
itself  right  and  proper.  If  we  endeavor  to  walk  in  obedience 
to  the  law  of  the  Lord,  we  are  in  a  condition  to  receive  the 
blessings  enumerated  in  the  First  Psalm. 

My  dear  wife  and  myself,  accompanied  by  our  sister 
Elizabeth  and  Jackson  Moore  and  Hannah,  went  to  Plum- 
stead,  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Elias  Qarey.  On  the  fol- 
lowing day,  First-day,  attended  the  meeting  at  Buckingham, 
where  I  had  an  exercising  time.  I  was  led  to  call  them 
into  their  tents,  as  Israel  of  old  was  called,  that  they  might 
be  instructed  in  the  ways  of  Truth.  We  visited  among  our 
relatives,  and  came  home  on  Second-day. 

Eighth  Month  18th.  Since  the  date  of  my  last  entry  it 
has  pleased  my  Divine  Master  to  call  me  from  home.  In 
company  with  my  esteemed  friend,  John  C.  Lester,  I  visited 
Western  Quarter.  The  Meeting  was  large,  a  great  many 
young  people  being  present,  and  to  these  my  mind  was  par- 
ticularly drawn.    They  were  called  to  enlist  themselves 


118 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


under  the  banner  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  whose  battles  are 
not  with  confused  noise,  and  garments  rolled  in  blood,  but 
with  meekness,  gentleness  and  long  persuasion,  his  followers 
are  drawn  away  from  the  "  lo-heres"  and  the  "  lo-theres,"  unto 
Him,  the  Captain  of  their  salvation.  We  were  favored  with 
the  outpourings  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  I  found  it  to  be  my  duty 
to  return  home  immediately  after  the  accomplishment  of  the 
service  for  which  I  had  been  called  away.  Since  then  I  have 
attended  our  own  Quarterly  Meeting,  held  at  Gwynedd. 
It  was  a  baptizing  time,  and  we  had  with  us  some  of  the 
Lord's  servants,  who  had  been  made  willing — like  James 
and  John — to  forsake  all  and  follow  the  Lord  Jesus.  With 
Divine  assistance,  I  was  enabled  to  speak  with  boldness  the 
truth  unto  the  people.  I  feel  humbled  under  a  sense  of  the 
Lord's  power  over  my  weakness,  that  I  should  be  called  to 
arouse  the  people  to  a  feeling  of  their  condition,  and  to 
plead  with  them  to  return,  repent  and  live. 

Ninth  Month  10th.  Left  home  to  attend  Salem  Quarter, 
toward  which  my  mind  had  for  some  time  been  drawn.  In 
Philadelphia  I  was  joined  by  my  friend,  Henry  T.  Child, 
who  accompanied  me  on  the  visit.  The  Quarter  was  to  be 
held  on  the  twelfth,  and  on  the  evening  previous  we  arrived 
at  Salem,  where  we  were  kindly  entertained  at  the  home  of 
Samuel  Hackett  and  wife.  Next  morning,  on  going  to  meet- 
ing, an  esteemed  Friend  very  kindly  came  to  me  as  a  stranger, 
and  invited  me  to  go  in  with  him,  insisting — contrary  to  my 
desire — on  my  taking  my  seat  in  the  upper  gallery.    I  com- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


119 


plied  with  his  wish,  but  before  I  had  long  sat  there,  I  found 
that  my  peace  consisted  in  moving  my  seat  lower  down,  to 
a  place  corresponding  to  the  one  in  which  I  usually  sit.  I 
made  the  change,  and  was  rewarded  with  the  peace  that 
results  from  obedience.  I  make  a  record  of  this  incident, 
and  leave  it  as  a  caution  for  the  elders  that  they  may  not 
cause  either  the  stumbling  or  the  wounding  of  those  who 
are  young  in  the  ministry. 

After  a  brief  communication  from  my  companion,  I  was, 
under  deep  exercise,  led  to  ask  the  people,  What  is  the  Gos- 
pel? and  to  answer  the  cpmry  by  endeavoring  to  show  them 
that  the  trite  Gosjyel  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  that 
it  is  preached  to  every  rational  creature  under  Heaven,  from 
the  least  to  the  greatest,  and  that  it  cannot  be  learned  in  the 
schools  of  men :  for  none  know  it  save  those  to  whom  the 
Father  reveals  it  by  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in 
their  hearts.  But  He  does  not  reveal  this  Gospel  in  the 
»heart  that  has  not  first  undergone  the  purification  alluded 
to  by  John  the  Baptist,  "  I,  indeed,  baptize  you  with  water 
unto  repentance:  but  He  that  cometh  after  me  is  mightier 
than  I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy  to  bear ;  He  shall 
baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  fire;  whose  fan 
is  in  his  hand,  and  He  will  thoroughly  purge  his  floor,  and 
gather  his  wheat  into  the  garner ;  but  He  will  burn  up  the 
chaff  with  unquenchable  fire."  Here  we  see  the  preparation 
that  is  necessary  before  we  can  become  acquainted  with  this 
blessed  Gospel ;  and  the  mission  of  the  Apostles,  eighteen 


120 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


hundred  years  ago,  was  to  call  the  attention  of  the  people 
to  this  preparation,  as  a  means  to  the  great  end  of  receiving 
a  knowledge  of  the  Gospel. 

How  does  this  compare  with  what,  in  this  day,  is  preached 
as  Gospel?  Who  are  the  promulgators  of  it?  A  learned 
disquisition  on  Scripture  is  as  different  from  a  call  to  a  self- 
denying  life,  as  the  accomplished  theologian  is  from  the  illit- 
erate fishermen  of  Galilee  ;  and  thus  the  minds  of  the  hearers 
are  led  into  a  labyrinth  of  argument  and  away  from  the  plain 
path  of  duty,  that  would  guide  them  to  peace. 

Tenth  Month  18th.  Judging  from  the  temperature,  and 
from  the  faded  leaf,  the  season  is  approaching  when  the 
streams  will  be  locked  in  icy  fetters,  and  when  man  will  be 
driven  by  chill  winds  to  seek  the  shelter  of  his  habitation. 
How  wonderful  are  the  workings  of  an  Almighty  Hand,  and 
in  beholding  them  how  plainly  we  may  see  our  own  little- 
ness. It  was  He  who  said,  "  Let  there  be  light,  and  there 
was  light,"  that  formed  man  from  the  dust  of  the  earth,  aud- 
it is  in  Him  that  we  live  and  move  and  have  our  being.  And 
now,  as  the  season  is  drawing  to  a  close,  I  here  bear  my 
testimony  to  the  great  goodness  of  my  Heavenly  Parent  in 
blessing  me  with  an  abundance  of  the  good  things  of  this 
life.  But  what  enjoyment  can  I  have  in  the  possession  of 
these  outward  gifts,  unless  I  feel  that  they  are  the  Lord's, 
and  are  to  be  used  in  such  a  way  as  will  promote  the  ad- 
vancement of  Truth,  and  redound  to  his  glory.  They  have 
not  been  given  us  to  riot  in,  or  to  take  wholly  unto  our- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


121 


selves  :  for  the  stranger  that  sojourneth  with  thee  is  to  be 
fed,  the  poor  are  not  to  be  turned  empty  away ;  the  cries 
of  the  hungry  soul  for  the  bread  of  Life  must  be  satisfied ; 
and  unto  the  poor  the  Gospel  must  be  preached.  In  the 
proper  discharge  of  all  these  duties  the  Spirit  of  my  Heav- 
enly Father  must  direct  me,  or  I  shall  surely  fail.  I  seek 
not  for  worldly  honor  nor  greatness ;  if  I  may  be  favored 
with  strength  to  perform  thy  requirings,  and  only  thine,  the 
end  of  my  living  will  be  accomplished,  and  my  desires  grati- 
fied ;  for  to  serve  the  Lord  is  my  chief  delight. 

Often  have  I  cause  to  realize  my  weakness  and  short-com- 
ings; for  though  I  feel  myself  bound,  in  the  love  of  the 
everlasting  Gospel,  to  open  my  mouth  in  the  assemblies  of 
the  people,  yet  I  also  feel  the  need  of  being  taught  and  hum- 
bled still  more  before  my  Almighty  Parent,  that  there  may 
be  nothing  left  in  me,  which  his  holy  controversy  is  against. 
I  feel  willing  to  leave  all  at  his  requiring,  and  for  his  holy 
cause,  knowing  that  He  is  a  rich  rewarder  of  all  those  who 
diligently  seek  to  serve  Him.  If,  now,  I  am  to  perform  the 
service  which  seems  to  be  required  of  me — to  attend  Balti- 
more Yearly  Meeting — may  I  be  clothed  with  the  mantle 
of  humility,  and  have  my  feet  shod  with  the  preparation  of 
the  Gospel,  so  that  I  may  not  run  where  I  am  not  sent,  nor 
\itter  what  is  not  given  me  to  say.  Then  shall  I  stray  'not 
from  his  holy  habitation,  neither  shall  the  Truth  be  dishon- 
ored by  me.  I  am  blessed  with  an  affectionate  and  Sym- 
pathizing wife,  who,  though  weak  in  body,  objects  not  <to 
8 


122 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


my  going,  but  who  is  a  strength  unto  me.  What  shall  I 
render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  these  favors. 

Eleventh  Month  5th.  In  the  renewings  of  Gospel  love, 
I  have  paid  a  visit  to  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting.  The  pros- 
pect of  leaving  my  family  and  my  affairs  brought  me  into 
serious  concern,  and  to  a  close  examination  of  the  matter  to 
try  to  ascertain  whether  it  was  the  voice  of  the  True  Shep- 
herd, or  that  of  the  stranger,  which  was  calling  me  to  this 
labor.  At  length  I  was,  I  believe,  fully  convinced  that  it 
was  the  Father  of  all  our  sure  mercies  that  was  calling  me 
to  the  work  ;  and  then  I  was  made  willing  to  go;  and  now 
that  I  have  returned,  I  have  renewed  cause  to  feel  satisfied 
of  the  recpiisition. 

During  the  sessions  of  the  meeting  we  were  favored  with 
the  abundant  overshadowings  of  Divine  love,  whereby  the 
messengers  were  qualified  to  open  in  clearness  the  mind 
of  our  Heavenly  Father  concerning  his  children  there  as- 
sembled. The  gathering  was  large,  and  Friends  from  va- 
rious parts  of  the  vineyard  were  there. 

Eleventh  Month  18th.  Since  my  return  from  Baltimore, 
I  have  been  engaged  in  my  various  duties  on  the  farm.  I 
regard  business,  which  is  pursued  for  the  maintenance  of 
our  families,  as  a  part  of  the  duty  devolving  upon  us,  and 
as  necessary  to  be  performed  as  is  any  other  duty.  I  have 
often  noticed,  in  reading  the  lives  of  eminent  Friends,  ser- 
vants of  the  Lord,  that  the  mention  of  this  part  of  their  obli- 
gation has  been  omitted,  either  by  themselves,  or  by  those 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


128 


who  compiled  the  accounts;  but  to  nie  it  seems  to  be  im- 
plied in  the  second  of  the  two  commandments  on  which 
"  hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets."  "  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and 
with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  command- 
ment. And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor  as  thyself."  Do  not  the  obligations  growing  out 
of  these  two  commandments  require  the  faithful  performance 
of  both  religious  and  secular  duties?  In  gathering  in  the 
crops  I  feel  that  I  have  been  blessed  in  the  outward,  and 
that  f  rom  season  to  season  the  Lord  is  not  unmindful  of  his 
dependent  children  ;  but  that  while  He  provides  for  our 
creaturelv  wants,  He  will  make  us  inwardly  comfortable  if 
we  only  surrender  the  government  of  our  lives  to  Him.  In 
sitting  in  some  of  our  meetings  lately  I  have  felt  them  to 
be  void  of  life  and  power.  Doubtless  the  void  is  owing  to 
the  weakness  of  myself,  and  perhaps  others.  Oh  !  how  the 
seed  have  to  travail  in  secret,  bemoaning  this  state  of  indif- 
ference. Then,  again,  there  are  seasons  in  which  we  are 
favored  to  have  the  dews  of  Heaven  fall  on  us,  and  refresh 
us  as  does  the  outward  dew  the  parched  and  dried  grass. 
I  often  feel  the  necessity  of  more  inward  waiting  on  the 
Lord,  that  we  may  become  acquainted  with  his  holy  requir- 
*  ing,  so  that  if  He  should  favor  us  with  any  openings,  we  may 
be  prepared  to  receive  them.  It  is  my  conviction  that  if  we 
were  oftener  found  in  a  state  of  readiness  to  hear  the  teach- 
ings of  the  Father,  we  should  oftener  be  called  to  the  per- 


124 


LIFE    OF    SAMTEL    J.  LEVICK. 


formance  of  duties.  These  might  be  different  in  their  char- 
acter in  different  individuals,  but  all,  if  faithfully  attended 
to,  would  redound  to  the  glory  and  honor  of  the  great  "  I 
am." 

We  have,  living  in  our  family,  and  assisting  on  the  farm, 
a  young  man  who  is  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends. 
His  name  is  Nathaniel  Kinsey.  A  few  days  ago,  while  he 
was  at  work  in  the  field,  a  man  came  up,  and  accosted  him 
by  telling  him  that  he  must  either  pay  his  militia  fine — for 
having  failed  to  appear  on  training  day — or  else  go  to  jail. 
N".  informed  him  that  he  could  not  pay  the  fine,  so  he  was 
taken  away  by  the  collector.  The  two  went  together  to 
Richard  Moore's,  and  the  collector  took  his  son,  Jackson 
Moore,  on  the  same  claim.  The  aged  grandmother  of  N. 
came  out  into  the  road  to  speak  to  him  and  to  advise  him 
to  stand  firm.  From  myself  the  officers  distrained  property 
to  the  amount  of  ten  or  twelve  dollars,  though  the  fine  is 
only  two  dollai's. 

20th.  While  on  the  road  to-day,  I  had  a  time  of  favored 
communion.  The  Lord  will  take  care  of  his  children  and 
lead  them  in  paths  of  safety.  Our  two  friends  who  were 
taken  to  Doylestown  and  cast  into  prison,  remained  there 
about  one  week,  when  the  Judge  of  the  Court,  hearing  of 
their  confinement,  came  and  released  them. 

1842.  First  Month  6th.  At  the  commencement  of  a 
new  year,  I  desire  that  we  may  feel  renewed  aspirations  to 
our  Heavenly  Parent,  that  He  will  continue  his  watchful 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


J  25 


care  over  us.  I  feel  the  responsibilities  of  my  changed  situ- 
ation, and  that  on  account  of  the  blessings  wherewith  I  have 
been  blessed,  a  greater  degree  of  dedication  is  necessary  to 
enable  me  to  perform  whatever  service  may  be  called  for 
from  me. 

7th.  I  went  to  Philadelphia  for  the  purpose  of.  bringing 
home  my  dear  wife,  who  has  been  making  a  visit  to  my 
parents. 

8th.  Attended  three  meetings,  morning,  afternoon  and 
evening,  and  was  favored  to  do  my  duty  to  a  comfortable 
degree  of  satisfaction.  In  the  evening  I  was  led  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  people  away  from  the  lo-here's  and  lo-there's, 
for  it  is  a  day  of  great  running  to  and  fro.  There  are  many 
false  teachers  who  would  fain  lead  the  people  away  from 
the  Christ  within  to  a  standard  which  has  been  erected  by 
the  doctors  and  teachers  of  the  clay.  Oh,  may  there  be  a 
turning  to  that  which  is  good  and  pure,  and  which  will  lead 
us  to  the  door  of  the  true  Sheepfold! 

15th.  First-day  evening  my  wife  and  self  are  alone  at 
our  home,  and  the  reward  of  peace  for  obedience,  sweetens 
my  enjoyment.  On  our  return  from  the  city  we  stopped  to 
see  a  friend  who  seems  to  be  suffering  under  the  vail  of  con- 
demnation, and  is  at  times  very  low  and  depressed.  We  had 
a  comfortable  time  with  him  and  his  family,  and  I  believe 
that  as  faithfulness  is  abode  in,  light  will  break  out  of  ob- 
scurity, and  brightness  as  at  noon-day,  and  that  he  will  be 
led  to  acknowledge  his  last  days  are  his  best  days. 


126 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


This  morning  I  attended  the  funeral  of  a  Mennonite  neigh- 
bor, at  which  I  was  led  to  declare  the  truth  of  the  everlast- 
ing Gospel ;  then  went  to  our  own  meeting,  where  a  view 
was  presented  to  my  mind,  respecting  the  preparation  of 
vessels  made  of  clay.  It  appeared  to  me  that  this  prepara- 
tion is  an  apt  representation  of  the  necessary  work  to  he 
performed  on  the  mind  of  man,  before  he  can  become  fitted 
as  a  vessel  for  usefulness  in  the  Lord's  house ;  and  that  there 
is  a  difference  between  being  fitted  for  use,  and  being  useful; 
the  one  must  be  experienced  before  the  other  can  be  prac- 
tised. 

25th.  Last  week  I  joined  a  committee  to  pay  a  visit  to 
our  members  at  Stroudsburg.  My  companions  in  this  ser- 
vice were  Richard  Moore  and  wife,  Joseph  Thorn e  and 
wife,  George  Custard,  Lydia  Green  and  John  C.  Lester. 
"We  arrived  on  Fourth-day  evening,  and  on  the  following 
day  attended  their  Preparative  Meeting.  The  Friends  were 
late  in  collecting,  so  that  it  was  a  long  time  before  the 
meeting  became  settled,  and  I  was  led  to  open  to  them 
the  necessity  of  parting  with  all  they  had  that  the  Lord's 
holy  controversy  was  against.  In  the  business  meeting 
much  instructive  counsel  was  handed  forth  by  some  of  the 
members  of  our  Committee.  Friends  appeared  glad  of  our 
company,  and  we  visited  among  the  families  to  our  satisfac- 
tion. 

Ninth  Month  14th.  After  nearly  nine  months  that  have 
gone  unaccounted  for,  I  feel  willing  to  sit  down  this  even- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


127 


ing,  in  the  silence  of  all  flesh,  hoping  to  be  favored  to  make 
a  profitable  note  of  the  events  with  which  the  period  has 
been  fraught. 

On  the  tenth  of  Third  Month  a  daughter  was  born  unto 
us,  and  the  sense  of  being  brought  into  the  state  of  a  parent 
filled  my  mind  with  emotions  such  as  I  had  never  before 
experienced.  The  grave  responsibilities  of  this  station 
loomed  up  before  me,  and  with  the  view,  came  a  deep 
sense  of  my  inability,  of  myself,  to  perform  the  duties  that 
would  devolve  upon  me  as  a  true  parent.  Under  a  deep 
sense  of  this  inability,  desires  were  begotten  in  me  that  He 
who  had  watched  over  me  would  watch  over  her  and  keep 
her  from  all  harm.  And  now  that  six  months  of  her  life 
have  passed,  I  ask  of  thee,  Oh,  Lord,  should  she  arrive  at 
an  age  to  need  a  father's  care,  that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  to 
direct  me  in  training  her  in  the  way  in  which  Thou  would 
have  her  to  walk.  So  that,  Oh,  Lord,  she  may  be  influ- 
enced to  follow  the  sound  of  Thy  voice,  to  hearken  to  Thy 
calls,  that  she  may  come  to  rest  under  the  fold  of  Thy  love, 
and  have  Thy  provident  care  round  about  her. 

During  the  spring  and  early  summer  the  health  of  my 
wife  rapidly  declined,  and  it  became  evident  that  the  mortal 
disease,  pulmonary  consumption,  had  fastened  itself  upon 
her.  Much  was  done  to  arrest  its  progress,  but  all  to  no 
avail,  and  after  months  of  suffering,  patiently  endured,  she 
was  released  from  the  shackles  of  mortality.  Her  death 
occurred  on  the  morning  of  Eighth  Month  13th,  1842. 


128 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Thus,  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-six  years,  was  she  called  to 
join  the  innumerable  company  composed  of  all  nations, 
kindreds,  tongues  and  people,  that  surround  the  Throne  of 
the  Lord  God  and  the  Lamb,  having  palms  in  their  hands, 
and  sounding  the  praises  of  Him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne 
forever  and  ever. 

Yes,  thus,  in  the  bloom  of  life,  was  the  companion  and 
wife  of  my  youth  taken  from  me,  having  lived  in  the  mar- 
ried state  one  year,  five  months  and  nine  days.  May  I  not 
call  them  precious  days  f  Yea,  they  were  such,  on  many 
accounts,  although  many  of  them  were  days  of  physical 
suffering  for  her,  and  of  great  anxiety  for  me,  yet,  through 
the  mercies  of  an  Almighty  and  benevolent  Heavenly  Par- 
ent, I  trust  they  wrought  in  us  a  love  for  Him,  which  was 
to  her  more  than  health,  wealth  or  any  outward  gift  could 
furnish.  Before  passing  away  she  was  favored  with  an  evi- 
dence that,  having  fought  a  good  fight,  having  finished  her 
course,  having  kept  the  faith,  there  was  laid  up  for  her  a 
crown  of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous 
Judge,  would  give  unto  her.  Blessed  be  his  name.  There 
is  such  a  crown  laid  up  for  all  them  that  love  his  appearing, 
even  the  inward,  spiritual  appearing  of  our  Lord  and  Sav- 
iour Jesus  Christ.  Many  precious  opportunities  we  had 
together,  as  I  sat  at  her  bedside,  and  was  impressed  with 
her  patience,  meekness  and  great  resignation  during  the 
long  period  of  her  illness.  The  sweet  serenity  with  which 
she  was  favored,  clearly  proved  that  she  had  not  been  fol- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


129 


lowing-  cunningly  devised  fables,  but  the  Lamb  of  God, 
through  whose  mediatorial  offices  she  knew  the  record  of 
her  transgressions  obliterated,  and  her  spirit  made  white  as 
snow.  Had  she  not  known  her  will  to  be  slain  ?  A  dying, 
as  it  were,  on  the  cross  of  all  that  was  creaturely,  and  a 
rising  into  newness  of  life  with  her  Redeemer,  knowing 
her  conscience  sprinkled  with  that  blood  which  speaketh 
better  things  than  the  blood  of  Abel,  even  the  blood  of  the 
new  covenant  which  was  made  when  the  Lord  declared, 
"  I  will  put  my  law  in  their  inward  parts,  and  write  it  in 
their  hearts,  and  will  be  their  God,  and  they  shall  be  my 
people  ?"  "  I  will  forgive  their  iniquity,  and  remember 
their  sin  no  more."  On  one  occasion  she  told  me  that  she 
had  felt  a  desire  "  to  get  about  again  this  summer,"  but 
that  now  she  had  given  that  up,  and  hoped  she  might  be  fa- 
vored to  give  up  all  willingly;  that  she  trusted  /  would  be 
willing  to  give  her  up  freely.  On  my  informing  her  that, 
with  the  Lord's  assistance,  I  hoped  I  should,  as  I  desired 
his  will  might  be  done  in  me,  she  seemed  comfortable  and 
composed.  At  another  time,  speaking  to  me  concerning 
our  dear  child,  she  said  she  wished  her  to  be  brought  up  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord  and  in  the  love  of  the  ever-blessed 
Truth.  She  then  addressed  me  as  follows  :  "  My  dear  hus- 
band, pleasant,  very  pleasant  has  been  the  time  we  have 
lived  together.  It  has  been  short,  but  very  comfortable. 
May  thou  be  strengthened  to  bear  up  under  this  great 
trial."    At  different  times  she  made  many  excellent  re- 


130 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


marks  to  those  around  her.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  time 
her  sufferings  were  very  great,  and  she  seemed  desirous 
that,  when  He  pleased,  she  might  be  released.  The  last 
night  of  her  life  was  one  of  much  bodily  suffering,  and  as 
the  morning  began  to  dawn,  while  yet  all  Nature  seemed 
hushed,  as  if  scarcely  awakened  from  its  slumbers,  she 
pointed  at  the  open  door,  and  said,  "  Beautiful!  Beautiful!" 
Then,  as  if  alluding  to  herself,  added,  "Peace!  Peace! 
Happy!"  These  were  her  last  expressions,  and  after  lying 
quietly  for  some  time,  her  spirit  winged  its  flight  to  God, 
who  gave  it.  Thus,  before  having  completed  my  twenty- 
third  year,  am  I  left  with  a  tender  babe,  who  has  not  a 
mother  to  love  and  to  care  for  it.  Yet  thankful  I  am  in 
the  belief  that  He  who  heareth  the  young  ravens  when  they 
cry,  and  feedeth  them,  will  provide  for  my  precious  little 
one.  And  as  she  is  now  with  my  parents,  I  feel  well  satis- 
fied with  her  earthly  care-takers.  As  regards  myself,  I  feel 
bound  to  leave  on  record,  for  the  encouragement  of  others, 
that  the  Lord  has  blessed  me  during  this  dispensation, 
which  so  soon  separated  me  from  her  to  whom  I  had  been 
attached  since  my  tenth  year,  and  to  whom  my  attachment 
grew  stronger  and  stronger  as  the  years  rolled  on.  I  am 
willing  to  give  my  experience  for  the  benefit  of  others,  that 
they  may  be  encouraged  to  look  to  our  Heavenhy  Father 
for  his  direction  in  this  very  important  proceeding.  During 
the  winter  previous  to  our  marriage  I  was  led,  one  day,  to 
cry  unto  the  Lord  for  his  guidance  in  this  weighty  matter, 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


131 


when  approval  seemed  clearly  to  be  given  in  answer  to  ray 
cry,  and  liberty  to  proceed.  And  now,  blessed  be  his  most 
adorable  name,  I  am  favored  to  bear  up  in  the  midst  of  my 
affliction,  and  to  feel  how  destitute  I  should  be  without  Di- 
vine support.  Persuaded  I  am  that,  through  the  aid  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  my  dear  companion  was,  in  a  great  degree,  the 
instrument  that  led  me  away  from  those  desires  and  affec- 
tions which,  had  I  followed  them,  would  have  deprived  me 
of  access  to  the  Fountain  of  Life,  at  which  I  am,  at  times, 
permitted  to  drink  for  my  spiritual  refreshment.  May 
glory,  honor,  praise  and  renown  be  ascribed  unto  Him  who 
is  Lord  over  all,  blessed  forever  and  ever. 

During  the  illness  of  my  dear  wife  our  friends  were  very 
kind  to  us,  and  their  sympathy  was  comforting,  as  their 
assistance  was  helpful.  Our  near  relatives,  both  hers  and 
mine,  were  much  with  us  during  this  long  season  of  afflic- 
tion. My  dear  mother  strengthened  us  by  her  presence, 
care,  counsel  and  assistance,  for  she  was  much  attached  to 
my  precious  Ellen,  as  were  also  my  father,  brothers  and 
sisters.  This  parental,  brotherly  and  sisterly  affection  was 
truly  comforting  to  me  in  my  sore  affliction.  How  good  it 
is  at  such  times,  and  at  all  times,  to  have  this  family  love 
abound.  And  my  desire  is  that  it  may  continue  and 
strengthen  as  the  years  roll  on,  that  we  may  be  a  lit  lie 
Hock,  banded  together  by  our  Heavenly  Parent's  love,  so 
that  when  we  have  to  know  a  separation  from  our  earthly 
parents,  we  can  look  to  Him  for  preservation  and  direction. 


132 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Our  aunt,  Lydia  Green,  is  one  whose  name  I  cannot  men- 
tion but  with  feelings  of  gratitude,  for  her  untiring  labor 
and  care  in  nursing  my  wife.  Truly  she  was  a  mother  to 
her  and  to  my  little  girl.  May  the  blessing  of  heaven  rest 
upon  her  for  thus  caring  for  me  and  mine,  poor  creature 
that  I  am.  I  would  also  mention  my  dear  father  and 
mother  Foulke,  also  sisters  and  brothers  -in-law,  for  their 
kindness  and  sympathy  in  this  time  of  trial.  After  the 
decease  of  my  beloved  wife,  my  mother  and  aunt  Lydia 
Green  remained  with  us  for  some  time,  and  my  friend, 
Kezia  Foulke,  who  has  been  as  an  elder  sister  unto  us, 
came  to  assume  the  responsibilities  of  housekeeper.  At 
length  I  took  my  mother  and  my  child  to  Philadelphia, 
and  left  them  at  father's,  which  is  to  be  the  home  of  my 
dear  little  daughter.  Thus  am  I  stripped  of  my  outward 
companions,  and  I  often  look  upon  my  habitation  as  a 
lonely  one,  as  it  would  be,  were  it  not  for  the  kind  care  of 
an  ever-watchful  Parent,  who  looks  with  compassion  on  his 
children,  and  visits  and  refreshes  them  with  the  tendering 
influences  of  his  love.  My  spirit  has  been  bowed  before 
Him,  that  I  may  be  kept  from  straying,  knowing  that  there 
are  enemies  on  the  right  hand,  and  on  the  left,  some  of 
whom  may  be  clothed  with  the  paraphernalia  of  the  Lamb's 
followers  and  appear  as  mouth-pieces  unto  the  people — 
blind  guides,  as  I  fear — but,  for  myself,  I  am  impressed 
with  a  sense  of  the  necessity  of  watchfulness  unto  prayer. 
During  the  time  of  my  wife's  illness,  and  since  her  re- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


133 


moval  from  among  us,  I  have  been  but  little  from  home. 
But  in  our  household,  and  in  the  small  meetings  at  Rich- 
land, we  have  been  favored,  by  the  Dispenser  of  all  Good, 
•with  the  breaking  of  bread  for  our  refreshment. 

Ninth  Month  21st.  I  see  the  necessity  now,  as  much  as 
formerly,  for  Israel  to  dwell  alone  from  the  strife  of 
tongues,  for  the  tongue  is  an  unruly  member,  and  it  has 
never  been  tamed  by  man.  It  is  this  tonguey  spirit,  this 
noisy  spirit,  that  is  now  going  abroad,  and  that  will  be 
likely  to  ensnare  some  who,  as  I  believe,  were  designed  for 
vessels  of  honor  in  the  Lord's  house.  In  view  of  this  strife 
of  tongues,  may  the  true  Israel  dwell  in  their  tents  until 
they  are  commanded  by  the  Captain  of  their  soul's  salva- 
tion to  go  forward  and  wage  war  against  the  enemies  of 
Truth  and  righteousness,  having  a  protective  armor  against 
all  danger  so  long  as  they  follow  the  leadership  of  One  who 
never  lost  a  battle. 

On  last  Seventh-day  week  I  went  to  Warminster,  and  on 
the  following  day  attended  Horsham  Meeting.  I  was  led  to 
sound  an  alarm  among  them,  lest  they  might  bring  them- 
selves to  the  belief  that  there  is  no  truth  in  that  which  we 
call  Truth,  or  that  there  is  no  God.  By  dwelling  in  the 
gift  I  was  enabled  to  discharge  my  duty  towards  them  to 
my  own  peace  and  satisfaction. 

On  the  following  First-day  I  attended  Plymouth  Meeting, 
and  feeling  called  to  open  my  mouth  among  them,  I  was 
getting  along  satisfactorily,  until  I  came(  to  a  passage  of 


134 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Scripture  which  I  feared  to  quote,  lest  I  might  not  give  it 
correctly;  here,  I  left  my  Sure  Guide,  and  hearkened  to 
my  own  understanding.  I  soon  found  my  way  closed  up, 
so  I  took  my  seat,  feeling  much  bowed  down  on  account  of 
my  wickedness  and  folly.  Thus,  for  want  of  obedience, 
was  the  work  marred,  and  Truth  prevented  from  rising 
into  that  dominion  which,  I  believe,  it  would  have  done  if 
I  had  kept  close  to  my  Guide.  By  this  experience  I  am 
taught  the  great  necessity  for  watchfulness  and  care. 

Tenth  Month  7th.  To  become  rightly  qualified  to  labor 
is  a  matter  of  vast  importance;  for,  persuaded  I  am,  that 
there  are  many  who  are  desirous  to  labor,  and  who  are 
laboring,  but  who  yet  lack  that  essential  qualification  for  a 
laborer  in  the  Lord's  vineyard,  true  humility.  There  is  a 
simple,  humble,  waiting  state,  that  must  be  known  and  felt, 
before  we  can  come  to  know  the  pure  Word  administered. 
My  soul  desires  for  the  children  of  men  that  they  may  be 
taught  by  the  Teacher  of  teachers,  the  Minister  of  ministers, 
who  would  open  to  their  minds  that  which  is  Truth  indeed, 
and  would  confer  upon  them  knowledge  which  would  be  as 
a  treasure  that  no  man  could  take  from  them.  If  the  people 
were  seeking  for  Truth  through  this  channel  there  would 
be  less  looking  unto  men,  and  less  heeding  of  the  opinions 
of  men,  but  a  seeking  for  Christ,  the  pure  Word,  the  only 
true  Light.  For  being  the  Son  of  the  Father,  who  is  wholly 
Light,  He,  the  Son,  must  be  Light,  and  his  life  is  the  light 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


135 


of  men.  This  life  must  be  felt  in  us,  before  we  can  know 
our  life  to  be  "  bid  with  Christ  in  God." 

As  a  traveller  who  desires  to  enter  the  Canaan,  the  land 
of  plenty,  my  soul  is  often  bowed  under  a  sense  of  our 
many  infirmities,  even  such  as  Israel  of  old  bad  to  contend 
with  in  their  journey  to  the  Promised  Land.  We  find  that 
safety  attended  them  as  they  abode  under  the  cover  of  the 
pillar  of  cloud  by  day,  and  followed  the  pillar  of  fire  by 
night.  And  this  is  the  alone  safety  for  the  spiritual  Israel 
in  this,  our  day.  This  pillar  is  a  figure,  a  type  of  Christ, 
who  was,  who  has  been,  and  who  still  is,  the  Teacher  of  his 
people  himself.  Let  us,  then,  come  to  know  Him  to  be 
oar  Teacher,  and  the  Director  of  our  lives;  for  then  shall 
we  be  wisely  instructed  and  safely  led,  even  though  we  may 
feel  that  of  fathers  and  mothers  there  are  none,  and  that 
the  love  of  many  has  waxed  cold ;  yet,  by  following  this 
unerring  Guide,  we  shall  be  conducted  safely  through  this 
life,  and,  at  the  end  of  the  journey,  landed  on  that  shore 
where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling  and  the  weary  are 
at  rest. 

At  our  last  Monthly  Meeting  we  had  the  company  and 
Gospel  labors  of  Rachel  Hicks,  of  Westbury,  Long  Island. 
She  was  called  upon  to  sound  an  alarm  to  such  as  were  at 
ease;  who  were  dead  as  to  a  knowledge  of  the  true  and  sav- 
ing faith,  who  were  listless  and  idle  as  regards  the  impor- 
tant work  of  the  soul's  salvation.  My  spirit  could  bear 
testimony  with  her  spirit  to  the  existence  of  such  a  state 


136 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


among  us ;  and  the  necessity  on  the  part  of  some  for  an 
arousing  lest  they  sleep  the  sleep  of  death,  and  awake  in 
the  confines  of  a  never-ending  eternity,  without  having  oil 
in  their  vessels  with  their  lamps. 

Last  First-day  I  was  at  Byberry,  attending  the  funeral  of 
a  worthy  Friend  and  elder,  James  Walton.  I  went  in  com- 
pany with  brother  Benjamin  G.  Foulke  and  his  wife  and 
sister,  not  knowing,  until  we  came  into  the  neighborhood, 
of  the  death  of  our  friend.  The  interment  was  before  meet- 
ing, and  the  large  concourse  of  people  in  attendance  filled 
the  meeting-house  very  full.  Jesse  Kersey,  Edward  Hicks 
and  John  Comly  all  appeared  in  testimony,  as  did  also  Mary 
Pike,  sister  of  the  deceased.  I  was  brought  under  much 
exercise  on  behalf  of  those  who,  with  myself,  were  in  the 
morning  of  life,  that  we  might  be  willing  to  surrender  our 
whole  hearts  unto  the  keeping  of  the  Shepherd  of  Israel 
who  watches  over  his  children  both  by  night  and  by  day ; 
and  as  I  beheld  our  fathers  in  the  Truth  following  the  re- 
mains of  a  beloved  brother  to  the  grave,  the  prayer  of  my 
spirit  was  that  He  who  had  been  their  morning  light,  their 
noontide  Director,  and  was  now  watching  over  them  in 
their  eventide,  would  be  pleased  to  be  with  his  lisping  chil- 
dren who  are  just  coming  forward  in  the  solemn  service  of 
the  ministry.  We  had  a  solid,  comfortable  meeting,  and 
my  soul  was  led  to  adore  Him  who  was  pleased  to  be  mouth 
and  wisdom,  tongue  and  utterance  unto  his  little  ones.  May 
everlasting  praises  be  ascribed  unto  Him  who  is  forever 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


137 


worthy  of  honor  and  praise  from  the  workmanship  of  his 
holy  hand.  Amen. 

Yesterday,  at  our  own  meeting,  a  marriage  was  solemn- 
ized, and  many  were  in  attendance.  The  solemnity  of  the 
marriage  covenant,  and  the  vast  importance  of  its  proper 
observance  were  livingly  opened  to  the  view  of  my  mind, 
and  I  was  led  to  show  that  as  we  deem  it  essential  to  call 
upon  the  Lord  of  Heaven  and  earth  to  witness  our  promises; 
so  to  fulfill  them  we  must  know  our  lives  to  be  directed  by 
his  holy  law.  As  those  in  the  marriage  relation  are  thus 
directed,  harmony  and  peace  will  flow  around  them,  and 
they  will  be  united  in  that  love,  which  being  bounded  by 
the  love  of  God,  will  prove  to  be  a  strength  unto  them  in 
the  hour  of  affliction,  and  the  language  of  their  spirits  will 
be,  not  our  wills  but  Thine,  0  Lord,  be  done. 

Tenth  Month  27th.  At  our  Preparative  Meeting  the  three 
Queries  were  answered,  and  we  were  favored  to  consider 
seriously  our  besetments :  that  freedom  which  the  Truth 
gives  was  felt  to  be  among  us. 

Our  neighborhood  has  been  saddened  by  the  sudden  de- 
cease of  a  young  man,  near  my  own  age,  and  an  only  son. 
His  funeral  was  a  very  solemn  occasion,  and  many  were  the 
eyes  from  which  flowed  tears  of  sorrow.  The  message  <>t 
the  Lord  was  sounded  among  the  gathered  multitude,  and 
the  day  was  one  that,  I  trust,  will  not  soon  be  forgotten. 

My  mind  has,  latterly,  been  brought  under  much  exercise 
in  view  of  an  obligation  resting  on  me  to  pay  a  visit,  in  Qos- 
9 


138 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


pel  love,  to  the  meetings  composing  the  Southern  Quarterly 
Meeting,  and  have  some  meetings  out  from  among  Friends 
in  that  part  of  the  country.  The  undertaking  has  seemed 
weighty,  but  as  I  dwelt  under  the  concern,  He  whom  I 
delight  to  serve  has  shown  me  in  the  clearness,  that  it  is  his 
requiring;  so  that,  when  the  time  shall  arrive,  I  expect  to  lay 
it  before  my  friends  for  their  serious  consideration.  We  are 
poor  finite  creatures;  and  when  I  have  looked  at  myself,  and 
beheld  my  youth,  my  weaknesses,  and  my  short-comings,  I 
have  felt  ready  to  cry  out,  Surely  it  is  not  I  who  am  thus 
called.  When  in  Philadelphia,  recentlj',  I  saw  my  beloved 
friend,  Rowland  Johnson,  who  informed  me  that  he  had  been 
under  a  concern  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  Southern  Quarter,  and 
its  branches.  It  seemed  like  a  confirming  evidence  of  my 
concern  being  in  the  life. 

Eleventh  Month  4th.  Our  Monthly  Meeting,  and  a  day 
to  be  remembered  by  me.  We  had  the  company  of  our 
friends  Joseph  Saunders,  Silas  Edson  and  Isaac  C.  Parry. 
In  obedience  to  what  I  believed  to  be  a  Divine  requirement 
I  laid  before  my  friends  the  above-mentioned  concern.  Sol- 
emn, indeed,  were  the  feelings  that  pervaded  my  mind,  but 
I  was  enabled  to  rise  above  discouragement;  and  my  friends 
expressed  much  unity  with  my  prospect,  and  encouraged 
me  to  pursue  it,  granting  me  a  minute  accordingly.  My 
friend  John  C.  Lester  expressed  a  willingness  to  accompany 
me  in  the  proposed  visit,  and  a  minute  to  that  effect  was 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


139 


prepared  for  him.  "  Return  unto  thy  rest,  O  my  soul ;  for 
the  Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee." 

Eleventh  Month  9th.  Since  Monthly  Meeting  my  time 
has  been  much  occupied  in  preparing  for  leaving  home;  as 
I  deem  it  important  to  try  to  leave  all  things  in  such  a  con- 
dition that  none  will  be  likely  to  suffer  during  my  absence, 
but  that  all  will  be  provided  for,  as  comfortably  as  circum- 
stances will  permit. 

First  Month  1st,  1843.  This  is  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
of  the  month,  and  of  the  year.  We  have  had  a  favored 
meeting;  the  blessed  Head  of  the  Church  was  pleased  to 
pour  out  of  his  Spirit  upon  us,  and  to  unfold  his  wonder- 
working power  on  our  minds.  The  past  year  is  one  not  to 
be  forgotten  by  me ;  for  I  have  known  a  separation  from  a 
beloved  companion,  the  wife  of  my  youth,  and  at  a  period 
when  there  had  been  added  to  the  chain  of  our  affection  a 
link  in  the  form  of  a  dear  child.  But  so  it  has  been  ;  and 
as  it  is  impossible  to  change  the  decree,  it  is  our  duty  to 
bow  in  humble  submission  to  the  Divine  Will.  No  human 
being  save  myself  knows  the  loss  that  I  feel,  as  one  alone  : 
but  I  can  say  that  the  good  Master  is  often  pleased  to  be 
near  me,  and  to  refresh  me  with  his  presence.  I  trust  that  it 
has  had  a  refining  tendency,  and  that  it  has  made  me  more 
humble;  experiencing  greater  desires  to  be  found  doing  the 
will  of  my  Heavenly  Parent. 

8th.  Attended  Abington  Meeting  of  Friends,  having 
felt  a  concern  to  do  so,  also  to  visit  a  young  man,  one  of 


140 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


their  members,  who  has  gone  contrary  to  the  order  of  So- 
ciety. My  friend,  John  C.  Lester,  accompanied  me,  and  it 
pleased  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  to  be  with  us,  so  that 
through  the  operation  of  his  Holy  Spirit  I  was  enabled  to 
relieve  my  mind  by  handing  forth  such  as  was  given  me  for 
that  assembly.  A  favored  meeting  it  was ;  and  I  have  re- 
newedly  been  made  sensible  of  the  importance  of  being 
instant  in  season,  in  attending  to  the  manifestations  of  duty. 
Went  to  the  city  in  the  afternoon,  attended  Cherry  Street 
Meeting  in  the  evening,  and  returned  home  next  day. 

15th.  Attended  Upper  Dublin  Meeting  when  on  my  way 
to  the  city.  The  gathering  was  not  very  large,  but  we  had 
a  comfortable  meeting.  I  was  led  to  speak  of  the  prepara- 
tion of  glass,  and  its  manufacture  into  different  kinds  of  ar- 
ticles, as  beautifully  illustrative  of  the  state  that  every  mind 
has  to  pass  through  before  it  can  become  fitted  to  be  a 
useful  vessel  in  the  Lord's  house.  Glass  admits  the  light 
and  keeps  out  the  cold ;  and  there  may  be  some  persons 
who  are  afraid  to  allow  themselves  to  be  used,  lest  they 
might  get  broken  ;  but  these  would  be  entirely  safe  so  long 
as  they  kept  in  the  Father's  house ;  for  nothing  can  destroy 
or  even  hurt  us  so  long  as  we  remain  there;  and  though 
often  used,  and  for  a  long  time,  no  wear  will  be  apparent  in 
the  vessel.  In  the  evening  of  the  same  day  I  attended  the 
Arch  Street  Meeting  of  Friends  in  Philadelphia,  having  for 
some  time  past  had  my  mind  turned  to  that  meeting.  It 
was  under  much  weight  and  bowedness  of  spirit  that  I  en- 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


141 


terecl  the  house  and  took  my  seat  among  the  people,  feeling 
entirely  willing  either  to  keep  silence,  or  to  do  whatever  I 
might  be  called  upon  to  perform.  It  was  not  until  toward 
the  latter  part  of  the  meeting  that  I  found  I  must  needs 
break  through  the  outward  silence  of  so  large  a  gathering 
of  people.  As  there  was,  on  my  part,  a  waiting  and  a  de- 
pending, the  power  was  afforded  me  to  throw  off  the  con- 
cern that  had  taken  hold  of  my  mind.  After  I  had  taken 
my  seat  a  degree  of  solemnity  appeared  to  cover  the  meet- 
ing ;  but  I  attributed  this  not  to  myself  in  the  least,  bnt  to 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  hearts  of  the  people. 
Feeling  drawn  to  appear  in  vocal  supplication,  though  a 
close  trial  to  the  flesh,  I  threw  myself  wholly  upon  my 
Heavenly  Parent  for  support,  and  He  was  pleased  to  give 
all  that  I  needed.  May»the  tribute  of  praise  and  thanks- 
giving be  ascribed  unto  Him  who  is  Lord  over  all,  blessed 
forever.  I  am  of  the  belief  that  there  were  precious  plants 
in  that  assembly ;  and  my  desire  for  these  is,  that  the  Lord 
may  water  them,  and  that  they  may  grow  as  willows  by  the 
water-courses,  whose  branches  spread  far  and  wide.  I  re- 
tired that  night  with  a  crown  of  peace  covering  my  mind — 
a  precious  privilege,  and  one  that  we  cannot,  of  ourselves, 
command. 

I  paid  a  visit  of  one  week  to  my  father's  family,  and  a 
satisfactory  time  it  was  of  mingling  with  my  near  and  dear 
relatives. 

22nd.   Feeling  drawn  thereto  I  attended  Friends'  Meeting 


142 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


at  Moorestown,  N.  J.  It  was  a  favored  meeting,  wherein 
we  were  baptized  with  the  holy  baptism,  and  permitted  to 
drink  of  the  spiritual  Rock  that  followed  Israel,  which  Rock 
was  Christ.  Chalkley  Gillingham  also  appeared  in  testi- 
mony, and  our  friend,  Mary  S.  Lippincott,  was  much  fa- 
vored in  her  approaches  to  the  Throne  of  Grace  in  vocal 
supplication.  I  dined  with  Isaac  and  Mary  S.  Lippincott, 
and  in  the  afternoon  had  a  religious  opportunity  with  their 
pupils  (they  have  a  boarding  school  for  girls),  which — though 
(piite  a  trial  to  me  to  ask  for — proved  to  be  a  comfortable 
season.  May  the  Good  Shepherd  watch  over  these  lambs, 
and  may  they  be  willing  to  be  led  by  his  direction  to  follow 
the  sound  of  his  voice. 

Fourth  Month  2nd.  During  the  time  that  has  elapsed 
since  my  visit  to  my  father's  family,  I  have  been  mostly  at 
home,  save  the  attendance  of  my  own  Quarterly  Meeting, 
held  at  Abington,  and  of  Bucks,  held  at  Wrightstown. 
Both  of  these  were  in  Second  Month,  and  at  the  latter  I 
had  the  company  of  my  much  esteemed  friend,  George 
Custard.  It  was  a  large  gathering,  but  the  wing  of  Ancient 
Goodness  overshadowed  us,  and  qualified  the  handmaidens 
of  the  Lord,  who  were  in  attendance,  to  divide  the  Word 
aright.  Most  of  the  vocal  service  seemed  to  rest  on  Mary 
Rowland  and  Mary  S.  Lippincott,  though  there  were  others 
who  had  to  bear  a  portion ;  and  throughout  the  meeting  we 
were  favored  with  seasons  of  solemn  quiet,  which  is  the  case 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


143 


where  there  is  a  tarrying  at  Jerusalem  until  there  is  received 
a  qualification  from  on  High. 

In  Third  Month  at  Haddonfield  Quarter;  it  was  a  fairly 
satisfactory  meeting,  but  the  love  of  the  world  is  too  much 
engrossing  the  time  and  the  attention  of  many,  prevent- 
ing that  earnest  engagement  of  spirit  which  was  so  marked 
a  characteristic  of  the  early  Friends.  In  my  own  sitting- 
room  I  have  been  much  instructed  in  viewing  a  tender 
plant  that  stands  in  the  window.  Avoiding  the  darkness,  it 
bends  its  branches  toward  the  light  of  the  sun ;  thus  main- 
taining a  healthy  existence;  yet  man,  who  is  endowed  with 
rational  powers,  turns  his  back  upon  the  Light,  and  chooses 
to  walk  in  darkness,  because  his  deeds  are  evil — yes,  because 
his  deeds  are  evil,  he  is  unwilling  to  allow  the  Lord  of  life 
and  glory  to  enter  into  his  heart  and  there  to  sway  the 
sceptre  of  righteousness.  But  our  deeds  must  be  brought 
to  the  light,  and  they  will  be  brought  there,  either  in  mercy 
or  in  judgment. 

Within  the  past  two  weeks  I  have  attended  the  funerals 
of  two  aged  members  of  the  Mennonite  persuasion.  They 
were  neighbors  of  mine,  and  men  who  have  lived  lives  of 
righteousness,  setting  a  good  example  to  those  around  them. 
One  of  them  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  wear  his  beard ;  and  it 
being,  like  his  locks,  silvered  with  age,  gave  him  a  venera- 
ble appearance.  His  name  was  Casper  Yeother,  and  he 
died  in  his  ninety-second  year.  The  other  was  Christian 
Zetty,  aged  seventy-six  years.    Both  of  them  were  intimate 


144 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


friends  of  our  late  father  in  the  church,  John  Foulke.  At 
these  funerals  I  had  something  to  say  to  the  people;  and 
although  they  are  accustomed  to  the  German  language,  and 
many  of  them  understand  but  little  of  the  English,  yet  there 
seemed  to  be  an  open  door  in  their  hearts. 

Having  for  some  time  past  felt  a  concern  resting  upon 
my  mind  to  have  some  meetings  among  the  people  around 
about  us,  who  are  not  of  our  profession,  and  having  ex- 
pressed it  to  my  friends  at  Monthly  Meeting,  and  received 
their  approbation,  we  held  one,  last  First-day,  at  the  house 
of  Saul  Fellman  at  Bunker  Hill ;  and  a  very  satisfactory 
meeting  it  was.  Quite  a  number  attended,  and  solemnity 
covered  the  company.  Our  own  meetings,  latterly,  have 
been  to  me  very  precious  seasons,  both  when  permitted  to 
enjoy  them  in  silent  waiting  upon  God,  and  when  prompted 
by  a  sense  of  duty  to  be  a  mouth-piece  unto  the  people. 
I  fully  believe  that  if  there  is  only  a  willingness  to  surrender 
their  all  unto  the  Lord's  keeping,  there  will  be  raised  up 
among  us  sons  and  daughters  who  will  be  qualified  to 
hold  up  the  ensign  unto  the  people.  Within  the  last  year 
we  have  had  several  appearances  in  the  ministry,  and  my 
secret  breathings  for  these  are  that  they  may  be  strength- 
ened to  be  faithful ;  but  most  especially  do  I  crave  that  I 
may  be  preserved  in  the  right  path.  O  Father,  into  thy 
hands  I  commit  my  spirit,  so  that  thou  mayst  keep  me  low 
and  humble,  closing  my  ear  to  flattery  and  praise,  in  order 
that  I  may  grow  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Truth,  and  may 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


145 


wax  stronger  in  the  love  of  thy  holy  law.  May  1  be  slain 
unto  the  world,  its  love  and  its  desires,  and  thus  be  fitted  to 
be  a  partaker  of  the  Heavenly  enjoyment  which  is  in  store 
for  all  that  love  Thee.  Unto  Thee,  0  Father,  we  will  ascribe 
glory  and  honor,  thanksgiving  and  praise,  now,  henceforth 
and  forevermore ! 

Fourth  Month  6th.  This  day  I  have  been  the  recipient 
of  favors  of  such  a  character  as  to  cause  my  heart  to  over- 
flow with  gratitude  to  Almighty  Goodness  for  continuing 
his  remembrance  of  one  so  little  and  so  unworthy  as  I  feel 
myself  to  be.  At  our  little  mid-week  meeting,  in  the  silence 
of  all  flesh,  my  spirit  was  refreshed,  and  I  was  encouraged 
to  a  faithful  perseverance  in  the  path  allotted  me.  I  was 
also  drawn  into  near  and  deep  sympathy  with  different 
spiritual  states  there  present;  and  the  secret  breathings  of 
my  spirit  to  the  Father  were  that  He  would  be  pleased  to 
remember  his  little  ones,  his  dependent  ones ;  and  for  those 
who  are  not  yet  fully  engrafted  on  the  fruit-bearing  vine, 
the  desire  was  that  they  might  close  in  with  the  proffers' of 
redeeming  love. 

After  these  secret  aspirations  I  was  drawn  out  into  the 
expression  of  a  few  words  for  the  encouragement  of  some 
who  may  be  disposed  to  look  at  their  brethren  with  a  feel- 
ing of  "  what  shall  this  man  do  ?"  To  such  the  language 
was,  "If  I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that  to 
thee  ?  Follow  thou  me."  Great  peace  followed  this  little 
exercise.    In  the  afternoon  I  was  at  Benjamin  G.  Foulke's, 


146 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


where  we  had  read  the  "  Short  Account  of  a  Long  Journey 
from  Babylon  to  Jerusalem."  It  was  instructive  and  edify- 
ing. Our  dear  sister-in-the-Truth,  Hannah  B.  Lester,  was 
of  the  little  company,  and  after  the  reading  we  had  a 
precious  opportunity — chiefly  a  silent  one — wherein  the 
covering  of  solemnity  seemed  to  be  spread  over  us. 

My  kind  friend,  Kezia  Foulke,  continues  with  me,  pre- 
siding over  my  household,  and  her  company  has  been  a 
great  strength  to  me.  Friends  of  the  neighborhood  have 
also  been  very  kind,  and  I  feel  myself  as  comfortable  as 
could  be  expected  for  one  in  my  situation.  Oh,  how  satis- 
fying it  is  to  have  a  Friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a 
brother,  and  One  on  whom  we  may  rest  all  our  burdens! 
I  cannot  express  my  gratitude  for  the  favors  conferred 
upon  me. 

Seventh  Month  28th.  I  have  had,  during  the  past  three 
months,  provings,  turnings  and  baptisms,  both  on  my  own 
account  and  for  the  gathering  of  the  precious  children  into 
the  enclosure  of  Divine  love. 

In  the  Fifth  Month  I  attended  our  Yearly  Meeting, 
which  was  to  me  a  refreshing  season,  for  self-abasement 
covered  my  mind  and  melted  my  spirit  in  humble  grati- 
tude. Our  spirits  were  harmonized  together,  and  I  believe 
it  was  good  for  me  that  I  was  there. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  same  month  I  went  to  Bucks 
Quarter,  held  at  Buckingham.  It  was  the  largest  collec- 
tion of  people  that  I  have  ever  seen  at  a  meeting  outside  of 


BARLY  MANHOOD. 


147 


the  city.  The  Great  Shepherd  was  pleased  to  bless  and 
to  break  bread  among  us,  I  trust,  to  the  strengthening  of 
some  who  were  present.  I  have  had  two  meetings  among 
those  not  of  our  Society,  which  were  fairly  satisfactory. 

How  many  false  standards  of  religion  are  held  up  before 
the  people !  One  that  is  just  now  popular,  and  that  has 
many  votaries,  is  the  standard  of  modern  morality ;  claim- 
ing that  if  we  are  what  is  termed  temperate,  benevolent, 
&c,  that  this  is  all  that  is  required  of  us,  even  though  full 
of  pride  and  evil-speaking.  With  these  there  is  a  danger 
of  becoming  self-conceited,  self-righteous  and  rich  in  their 
own  possessions.  Ah  !  such  can  never  enter  into  the  king- 
dom of  heaven.  When  the  message  of  the  Lord  is  pro- 
claimed among  them,  bearing  testimony  against  this,  as  not 
being  the  true  rest,  they  seem  not  to  comprehend  the  warn- 
ing, or  at  least  not  to  regard  it  as  the  Word  of  Life.  The 
desire  of  my  soul  for  this  class  is,  that  the  Lord  may  anoint 
them  with  the  eye-salve  of  his  kingdom,  that  they  may  see 
Him,  the  Bishop  of  Souls,  to  be  beautiful  and  altogether 
lovely ;  that  they  may  know  a  being  born  again,  not  after 
the  flesh,  but  of  the  incorruptible  seed  and  Word  of  Life. 
Until  the  children  of  men  are  both  willing  and  obedient, 
the  Lord's  kingdom  cannot  come,  nor  his  will  be  done  on 
earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.  There  is  in  us  an  ability  that  is 
always  ready  to  do,  and  always  qualified  to  do.  We  must 
know  this  to  be  laid  down,  even  at  the  feet  of  the  Master, 
that  we  may  receive  from  Him  the  wisdom  which  is  from 


148 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


above,  which  is  "  first  pure,  then  peaceable,"  &c.  This 
wisdom,  so  different  from  the  human,  is,  indeed,  "  full  of 
mercy  and  of  good  fruits,"  and  as  it  is  sought  and  abode  in, 
it  will  enable  us  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim 
liberty  to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to 
them  that  are  bound. 

With  my  brother,  Benjamin  G.  Foulke,  for  my  compan- 
ion, I  have  attended  Friends'  Meeting  at  Salem,  N".  J.,  and 
in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  the  one  at  Wilmington, 
Del.  We  were  enabled  to  accomplish  the  journey  between 
the  two  meetings  through  the  kindness  of  our  friend  and 
relative,  Aaron  B.  Ivins,  who  took  us  to  Pennsgrove,  and 
from  Newcastle  we  were  forwarded  by  a  man  named  Saw- 
yer, whose  wife  is  a  Friend.  Both  husband  and  wife  were 
strangers  to  us.  On  our  return  to  Philadelphia  we  found 
my  father  seriously  ill,  so  that  we  hastened  home,  and 
informed  mother,  who  had  been  staying  at  my  house  dur- 
ing my  absence.  Father  has  been  a  very  healthy  man,  and 
having  a  good  constitution,  he  recovered  from  this  attack, 
though  it  was  a  severe  one. 

Ninth  Month  10th.  •  During  the  past  month  great  spirit- 
ual dearth  and  want  have  been  experienced.  This  condition 
followed  a  state  of  great  plenty  that  had  been  enjoyed  for 
some  time  before.  During  this  time  of  poverty  the  enemy 
has  made  his  appearance,  and  presented  himself  to  me  in 
many  specious  ways,  until  I  have,  at  times,  almost  been 
brought  to  believe  that  no  good  thing  had  ever  been  my 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


149 


portion  to  bear  unto  the  people.  But  the  Lord,  who  knows 
the  wants  of  his  children,  will,  in  his  own  time,  appear  in 
their  assemblies,  and  will  manifest  himself  among  them  by 
the  breaking  of  bread,  even  that  bread  which  is  a  strength 
to  the  famished  spirit.  But  it  must  be  in  his  time,  and  we 
must  patiently  abide  in  the  time  of  our  want,  as  well  as 
rejoice  in  the  season  of  plenty. 

Having,  for  some  time  past,  felt  my  mind  drawn  to  visit 
Friends  and  others  within  the  limits  of  Baltimore  Yearly 
Meeting,  I  laid  the  concern  before  our  last  Monthly  Meet- 
ing. After  a  time  of  deliberation  on  the  subject,  a  minute 
of  unity  and  concurrence  was  granted,  which,  according  to 
our  good  order,  was  presented  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting, 
when  my  concern  was  opened  there.  In  this  meeting  there 
was  a  time  of  silent  waiting,  but  way  did  not  open  for  grant- 
ing the  necessary  certificate  of  procedure,  and  I  am  satisfied 
that  it  was  the  wisdom  of  Truth  that  the  matter  should  go 
no  farther  at  this  time.  I  felt  how  essential  it  is  for  those 
who  are  fathers  in  the  Church,  as  well  as  for  all  of  us,  to 
keep  near  the  holy  Fount,  for  thus  is  preservation  extended 
to  the  children.  The  decision  of  the  meeting  was  not  the 
result  of  any  unkind  or  improper  feeling  toward  me,  but  of 
a  desire  to  be  governed  by  the  mind  of  Truth.  The  way 
had,  in  some  measure,  closed  up  in  my  own  mind,  but  fear- 
ing that  my  misgivings  were  caused  by  my  own  weakness 
and  reasonings,  I  was  afraid  to  withhold  th»  concern,  and 
so  I  thought  best  to  lay  it  before  my  friends,  believing  that. 


150 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


in  their  decision,  the  mind  of  Truth  would  be  obtained,  as 
I  trust  it  was.  I  find  the  matter  still  rests  on  my  mind,  but 
as  to  when  the  way  will  open  for  me  to  proceed  in  it,  I 
know  not,  neither  do  I  desire  to  know,  until  it  be  the  will 
of  my  Father  to  make  it  known.  T  have  returned  the  min- 
ute to  our  Monthly  Meeting,  with  the  information  that  wa}- 
did  not  open  to  proceed.  There  is,  on  the  part  of  some,  a 
disposition  to  find  fault  with  the  regulations  of  the  Church, 
and  the  order  established  among  us  concerning  the  minis- 
try, but  the  more  I  become  acquainted  with  the  nature  of 
the  Divine  work  of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  the  more  am 
I  satisfied  with  our  excellent  order;  and  when  it  is  admin- 
istered under  the  sanctifying  power  of  Divine  love,  it  has  a 
tendency  to  strengthen  our  love  for  one  another,  and  to  be 
a  blessing  unto  all. 

Twelfth  Month  26th.  As  of  ourselves  we  can  do  nothing 
to  promote  the  welfare  of  our  own  souls,  or  those  of  our 
brethren,  so  it  is  only  by  the  touches  of  his  holy  finger  that 
the  lip  can  speak,  or  the  pen  delineate,  his  power,  his  glory 
and  his  praise.  It  is  not  from  the  amount  written  or 
spoken,  that  wisdom  is  to  be  derived,  but,  as  the  Apostle 
declared,  "  I  had  rather  speak  five  words  with  my  under- 
standing, *  *  *  than  ten  thousand  words  in  an  un- 
known tongue."  This  speaking  in  an  unknown  tongue,  I 
fear,  is  too  much  practised  in  our  day;  for  where  there  is, 
on  the  part  of  the  people,  a  desire  to  hear  words,  I  have 
feared  that  there  is  in  the  minds  of  some  who  speak  in  our 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


151 


assemblies,  a  willingness  to  gratify  this  desire.  Thus  there 
is  fostered  in  both  speaker  and  hearers,  a  growth  of  that 
spirit  which  must  die  before  Christ  shall  become  our  chief 

joy. 

My  spirit  travails  in  exercise  on  account  of  the  beloved 
youth,  living  as  they  do  in  a  day  when  the  means  which  the 
enemy  of  all  righteousness  is  using,  are  so  plausible,  so  in- 
sidious in  their  character,  that  the  spiritual  sense  of  these 
precious  young  people,  has  become  blunted,  and  they  have 
grown  so  wise  in  their  own  conceits  that  they  do  not  hearken 
to  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  nor  are  they  willing  to  listen  to 
his  qualified  instruments,  where  the  message  or  its  delivery 
does  not  please  their  critical  but  vitiated  taste.  How  subtle 
are  the  devices  of  the  reasoner  to  draw  the  children  away 
from  the  Father's  house ;  even  making  some  believe  that 
they  are  already  in  possession  of  the  riches  of  the  kingdom  ; 
and  encouraging  others  to  believe  that  the  course  they  are 
pursuing  will  lead  them,  eventually,  to  the  Heavenly  Jeru- 
salem. 

My  prayer  for  these  deluded  ones  is  that  they  may  with- 
draw as  to  the  other  side  of  the  mountain  ;  that  they  may 
often  be  found  on  the  watch-tower,  watching  for  the  ap- 
proaches of  the  enemy,  and  at  the  same  time  waiting  to 
hear  the  voice  of  the  beloved  of  souls.  Here  and  here  only, 
is  preservation  ;  and  it  is  to  this  place  of  safety  that  I  would 
invite  our  young  people,  and  include  myself  in  the  invitation. 

For  those  who  are  farther  advanced  on  the  journey  of  life, 


152 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


as  well  as  in  religious  experience,  and  who  should  be  ready 
to  take  their  places  in  the  fore-front  of  the  battle,  so  as  to 
ward  off  the  enemy,  and  prevent  encroachments  upon  our 
Zion,  I  have  been  deeply  concerned  lest  the  love  of  the 
world,  and  the  pursuit  of  its  riches,  should  so  benumb  their 
spiritual  energies,  as  to  mar  their  usefulness  in  the  Church, 
and  deprive  them  of  the  power  to  become  valiants  in  the 
Lamb's  warfare.  "  Awake,  awake,  put  on  thy  strength,  O 
Zion  ;  put  on  thy  beautiful  garments,  0  Jerusalem,  the  holy 
city :  for  henceforth  there  shall  no  more  come  unto  thee  the 
uncircumcised  and  the  unclean.  Shake  thyself  from  the 
dust;  arise,  and  sit  down,  0  Jerusalem  :  loose  thyself  from 
the  bands  of  thy  neck,  0  captive  daughter  of  Zion."  Then 
will  the  mourners  and  the  heavy-hearted  in  Zion  cry  aloud 
and  rejoice;  their  wailing  and  lamentation  will  be  turned 
into  rejoicing  when  they  behold  those  that  had  been  dead, 
to  be  made  alive,  and  to  be  adorned  with  the  white  robe, 
which  is  the  clothing  of  the  saints. 

That  all  the  sons  and  daughters  of  men  whose  eyes  have 
been  in  a  measure  anointed  with  the  eye-salve  of  the  King- 
dom, whereby  they  have  been  enabled  to  see  the  emptiness 
of  all  worldly  enjoyments,  would  be  clothed  with  the  white 
robe,  and  come  to  the  marriage  supper  of  the  Lamb ;  then 
would  they  be  ready  to  be  used  for  the  hastening  of  the  day 
"  When  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  king- 
doms of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ ;  and  He  shall  reign  for 
ever  and  ever."    But  this  day  can  never  dawn  until  we  are 


EARLY  MANHOOD. 


153 


found  willing  to  be  faithful,  and  to  know  of  a  truth  that  the 
Lord  of  Heaven  and  earth  is  our  God. 

Thus  has  my  spirit  been  drawn  to  write  this  evening,  not 
knowing  when  I  took  my  pen  what  I  should  write,  nor  do  I 
know  to  what  purpose  I  have  written  it. 

During  the  past  few  months  I  have  been  mostly  at  home, 
though  I  have  had  some  service  at  meetings  in  Philadel- 
phia, at  Haddonfield  Quarter,  and  in  visiting  the  Monthly 
Meetings  of  my  own  Quarter.  Truly  it  may  be  said  "  The 
ways  of  Zion  do  mourn  because "  so  few  "  come  to  her 
solemn  feasts."  At  Haddonfield  we  were  baptized  together 
into  much  nearness  and  tenderness,  and  the  call  was  ex- 
tended to  those  who  were  asleep,  to  awake,  and  Christ 
would  give  them  light ;  the  youth  were  exhorted  to  bow 
their  necks  to  his  yoke,  and  their  backs  to  his  burdens ; 
while  the  mourners  in  Zion  were  encouraged  to  hold  fast 
the  profession  of  their  faith  without  wavering. 

Oh,  the  exceeding  goodness  of  God  to  his  creature  man  ! 
I  have  to  speak  of  it;  my  soul  must  bear  testimony  to  it, 
for  when  I  was  an  hungered,  He  fed  me;  when  I  was  thirsty 
He  gave  me  drink;  when  my  soul  was  sick  and  under  the 
bondage  of  sin,  He  visited  me,  and  poured  in  the  oil  and 
the  wine  to  heal,  after  that  He  had  purged  me  by  the  fire 
of  his  love;  yea  and  He  continues  to  care  for  me  still.  1 
would  that  every  sin-stricken  and  tried  soul  would  come 
to  the  Physician  of  value,  and  be  healed  of  its  maladies. 
"And  the  Spirit  and  the  bride  say,  Come.  And  let  him 
10 


154  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

that  is  athirst  come.  And  whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the 
water  of  life  freely." 

[This  is  the  last  of  the  Diary.  It  closes  with  the  year 
1848.— Ed.] 


CHAPTER  V. 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 

As  the  Diary  of  Samuel  J.  Levick  ends  with  the  year 
1843,  the  leading  incidents  of  the  remaining  forty-one  years 
of  his  life  were  not  consecutively  recorded.  Indeed,  many 
of  them  were  not  recorded  at  all,  but  have  been  retained  in 
the  memory  of  those  who  were  intimate  with  him,  and  who 
were  interested  in  his  proceedings,  as  well  as  impressed  by 
his  individuality. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  year  1844  he  was  a  widower, 
living  on  his  farm  at  Richland,  while  his  infant  daughter 
was  tenderly  cared  for  by  his  mother  and  sisters,  at  their 
home  in  Philadelphia. 

In  the  autumn  of  this  year  he  was  married  to  Susanna 
Morris  Mather,  of  Whitpain,  Montgomery  County,  Pa.,  a 
member  of  Gwynedd  Monthly  Meeting.  Her  parents  were 
Charles,  and  Jane  (Roberts)  Mather,  and  her  great-great- 
grandmother,  for  whom  she  was  named,  was  Susanna  Mor- 
ris, an  eminent  minister  in  the  Society  of  Friends. 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


155 


With  the  approbation  of  the  Monthly  Meeting,  her  mar- 
riage was  accomplished  at  the  house  of  Jane  Mather,  who 
was  a  widow  and  a  chronic  invalid,  being  so  disabled  by 
rheumatism  that  she  could  not  get  to  the  meeting-house, 
and  hence  had  not  been  present  at  the  marriages  of  two  of 
her  daughters.  But  as  the  Discipline  had  been  altered,  Su- 
sanna could  be  married  at  home,  an  arrangement  that  was 
very  satisfactory  to  both  mother  and  daughter,  as  well  as  to 
the  company  assembled  on  the  occasion.  The  Mather 
homestead  came  from  their  Roberts'  ancestors,  and  it  has 
been  in  the  family  for  several  generations.  The  home- 
name  of  the  place  is  "  Woodlawn,"  and  the  house  stands 
on  a  part  of  the  Roberts  tract,  which  is  now  almost  in- 
cluded in  the  nourishing  settlement  of  Penllyn. 

By  this  marriage  Samuel  became  a  double  brother-in-law 
to  Benjamin  G.  Foulke,  and  between  the  two  there  was  a 
bond  of  brotherhood  which  only  death  could  sever.  A  few 
years  later  Benjamin  became  an  elder  by  appointment — for 
he  was  already  one  by  qualification — and  the  two  were  in 
close  sympathy  in  their  religious  exercises  as  well  as  in  fra- 
ternal affection. 

Samuel  took  his  wife  to  "Spring  Lawn,"  his  Richland 
home,  where  they  passed  the  first  four  years  of  their  mar- 
ried life.  That  the  union  was  a  happy  one  need  not  be  told 
to  those  who  knew  them,  but  if  testimony  were  wanted  to 
substantiate  the  fact,  it  could  be  found  in  fullness  in  the 
unpublished  portions  of  the  correspondence. 


156 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LF.VICK. 


At  this  time,  though  only  twenty-five  years  of  age,  Sam- 
uel J.  Levick  was  a  recorded  and  very  acceptable  Gospel 
minister.  Having  so  recently  trodden  the  slippery  paths  of 
youth,  and  not  merely  encountered,  but  overcome,  many 
temptations,  he  was  well  qualified  to  address  the  young,  for 
he  could  appeal  to  them  as  one  of  them,  could  point  out 
the  dangers  to  which  they  were  exposed,  and  then,  in  a 
clear,  cogent  manner,  direct  them  to  the  one  way  of  escape, 
and  to  the  terms  by  which  they  might  obtain  an  entrance 
to  the  pathway  of  safety.  After  having  thus  presented  the 
dangers  and  hardships  of  the  bondage,  and  pointed  to  the 
means  by  which  they  might  escape  from  it,  he  would,  in 
gentle,  persuasive  tones,  invite  them  to  enter  upon  the  path 
of  peace,  assuring  them,  from  his  own  experience,  that  they 
would,  in  very  deed,  receive  "beauty  for  ashes,"  and  be 
ready  to  marvel  that  they  had  even  hesitated  before  mak- 
ing the  all-important  choice. 

In  mixed  companies,  such  as  assemble  at  funerals,  he  was 
often  highly  favored  to  warn,  and  if  need  be,  to  alarm, 
some,  and  then  to  close  with  a  fitting  application  of  the 
consolations  of  the  Gospel.  In  the  year  1848  he  attended 
a  large  funeral  at  Plymouth,  Pa.  The  deceased  was  a 
young  man  who  had  lived  a  circumspect  life,  and  passed 
peacefully  away.  At  the  house  Samuel  sat  with  the  family, 
and  spoke  to  them  in  a  very  comforting  manner,  but  at  the 
meeting-house,  to  the  assembled  multitude,  he  had  a  mes- 
sage of  alarm  to  deliver,  and  in  giving  it,  it  would  seem  as 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


157 


if  he  had  kept  nothing  back.  On  the  following  day  (First- 
day)  he  attended  a  neighboring  meeting,  in  which  he  was 
remarkably  favored  in  explaining  the  position  of  the  elder 
brother  in  the  parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son.  Thus,  in  less 
than  twenty-four  hours,  were  delivered  three  discourses, 
each  totally  different  from  the  others,  and  all  leaving  so 
good  a  savor  as  to  bear  evidence  of  their  origin,  and  to  con- 
vince that  each  one  was  adapted  to  some  spiritual  state  or 
states  present  when  it  was  delivered. 

Being  a  full  believer  in  the  Friends'  idea  of  a  proper 
qualification  for  the  ministry — that  the  minister  must  hand 
out  to  the  assembled  multitude,  or  to  the  individual  in  pri- 
vate, just  what  is  given  him  to  deliver;  and  that,  to  the 
strictly  obedient,  the  time  for  the  offering,  as  well  as  the 
matter,  will  be  made  known — lie  had  faith  that  he  would 
be  sustained  in  whatever  he  was  called  upon  to  do,  though, 
to  the  eye  of  the  natural  man,  the  labor  might  appear  ardu- 
ous and  the  obstacles  in  the  pathway  to  its  performance 
almost  insurmountable. 

In  the  year  1849,  when  on  a  religious  visit  in  Western 
New  York,  he  was  at  the  house  of  his  friend,  Sunderland 
P.  Gardner,  when  he  felt  an  impression  to  walk  out  and 
meditate  upon  what  might  be  required  of  him.  Soon  after, 
getting  into  an  open  field,  he  saw,  at  some  distance,  smoke 
arising  from  a  ravine,  and  was  impressed  to  go  in  the  direc- 
tion of  that  smoke,  although  he  saw  neither  habitation  nor 
human  being.    On  getting  hearer  to  the  ravine,  he  discov- 


158 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


ered  that  the  smoke  arose  from  a  hovel,  toward  winch  he 
went,  not  knowing  who  inhabited  it,  nor  why  he  should  go. 
On  arriving  at  the  hut  he  knocked  at  the  door,  and  when  it 
was  partly  opened,  inquired,  "Who  lives  here?'"  "ifobody 
hut  me  and  the  cats,"  was  the  response  that  came  from  a 
gruff  voice.  The  door  was  then  closed  against  him,  but  he 
opened  it  and  stepped  in,  when  the  occupant,  who  was  a 
hermit,  as  Samuel  afterwards  learned,  walked  out  and  shut 
the  door  after  him.  Samuel  followed  him,  and  told  him 
that  he  had  come  to  see  him  and  would  like  to  speak  with 
him.  "  Who  sent  you  here  ?"  was  the  only  reply.  Samuel 
told  him  that  no  one  had  sent  him,  nor  did  any  one  know 
of  his  coming.  Again  the  misanthrope  went  into  his  dis- 
mal abode,  and  again  was  the  door  closed  between  him  and 
his  visitor.  A  person  of  weaker  faith,  or  of  less  courage, 
would  probably  have  given  out  at  this  point,  feeling  that  he 
had  done  what  he  could.  But  not  so  with  Samuel  Levick. 
He  again  went  in  where  he  knew  he  was  so  unwelcome, 
and  was  confronted  by  the  question  "  Didn't  Gardner  send 
you  here?"  The  indications  were  very  unfavorable  for 
having  a  religious  opportunity;  for,  in  addition  to  the  gene- 
ral appearance  of  squalor,  a  gun  stood  in  the  corner,  and 
the  hermit  was  so  irascible  that,  when  the  tongs  fell  on  the 
hearth,  he  swore  violently.  But  Samuel  was  persevering, 
as  well  as  persuasive,  and  at  length  the  man  appeared  to 
believe  him,  and  to  accept  for  truth  his  statement,  "  No 
human  being  sent  me  here,  and  no  one  outside  of  this 


MATl'RE  MANHOOD. 


159 


house  knows  of  my  being  here."  Outward  quiet  being 
thus  secured,  the  way  was  opened  for  Samuel  to  deliver  a 
very  solemn  message.  He  told  the  desperate  man  that  this 
would  be  his  "  last  call,"  and  warned  him  of  the  awful  con- 
sequences of  not  heeding  it.  The  listener  soon  calmed 
down,  appeared  serious,  and  was  left  in  a  quiet,  if  not  a 
contrite,  frame  of  mind. 

It  was  near  nightfall  when  Samuel  returned  to  join  his 
friends  in  the  social  circle,  and  on  telling  them  where  he 
had  been  and  what  had  been  his  experience,  they  were 
greatly  surprised,  as  this  hermit  was  considered  one  of  the 
most  dangerous  men  in  that  part  of  the  country;  so  defiant 
that  all  the  neighborhood  stood  in  awe  of  him. 

That  the  visit  was  not  without  some  good  results  was 
evident — as  Samuel  was  afterwards  informed — from  the 
changed  manner  of  this  heretofore  desperate  man. 

This  is  only  one  instance,  though  a  striking  one,  of  the 
strength  of  that  faith  by  which  our  friend  was  led  into  the 
by-ways  of  religious  labor,  and  enabled  to  overcome  all  fear 
of  consequences,  so  that;  by  child-like  trust  and  unreasoning 
obedience,  his  religious  habits  were  first  formed,  and  then 
strengthened,  until  he  became  a  young  man,  and  a  strong 
man,  in  the  Master's  service. 

In  1848,  Samuel,  with  his  family,  left  Spring  Lawn,  and 
moved  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  joined  his  brother  Wil- 
liam in  mercantile  business.  As  both  of  the  brothers  were 
faithful  attendants  of  mid-week  meetings,  they  thought  it 


160 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEYICK. 


best  to  belong  to  different  Monthly  Meetings,  so  that  no 
business  engagements  should  prevent  either  from  meeting 
for  worship  with  the  few  that  usually  assembled  for  that 
purpose  in  the  middle  of  the  week. 

A  few  months  later  Samuel  and  his  family  moved  to 
Camden,  X.  J.,  within  the  limits  of  Camden  Preparative 
and  Haddonfield  Monthly  Meeting,  of  which  they  soon 
after  became  members. 

By  this  removal  they  were  brought  into  neighborship 
and  close  intimacy  with  that  worthy  elder,  William  Fol- 
well,*  and  the  fellowship  between  elder  and  minister 
proved  to  be  lasting  as  life.  The  disparity  in  their  ages, 
instead  of  being  a  hindrance,  seemed  rather  to  be  a  further- 
ance to  the  close  relationship  which  they  mutually  enjoyed. 

An  extract  from  the  minutes  of  Genesee  Yearly  Meeting, 
in  1849,  shows  that  "  Samuel  J.  Levick,  a  minister,  and 
William  Folwell,  an  elder  and  companion  of  S.  J.  L., 
attended  the  meeting  with  minutes  from  Haddonfield 
Monthly  Meeting,  New  Jersey."  It  would  appear  from 
some  letters  written  by  Samuel  at  the  time,  that  they 
attended  most,  perhaps  all,  of  the  meetings  composing 
Farmington  and  Scipio  Quarters. 

During  the  summer  of  1849  the  cholera  prevailed,  both 
in  Philadelphia  and  in  Camden,  and  Samuel  had  his  family 
removed  to  Woodlawn.    They  were  favored  to  keep  well, 

*  His  sister,  Elizabeth  Pittield,  was  a  favored  minister,  belonging  to  the 
North  Meeting  in  Philadelphia. 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


161 


as  was  be  himself,  though  he  remained  in  the  city,  except 
over  First-days.  His  letters  at  this  time  speak  of  the  epi- 
demic, and  his  remarks  on  the  subject  indicate  that,  while 
seriously  impressed,  he  was  not  needlessly  alarmed,  by  the 
unusual  mortality. 

In  1850  they  again  moved  to  Philadelphia,  and  became 
members  of  Cherry  Street  Meeting.  One  who  was  a  con- 
stant attendant  of  the  meeting  at  that  time,  well  remembers 
the  powerful  communications  of  Samuel  J.  Levick  in  the 
large  meetings  for  worship,  also  the  earnestness  and  the  zeal 
which  he  manifested  while  participating  in  the  transaction 
of  the  business  in  Monthly  Meetings.  Though  only  thirty- 
one  years  of  age,  he  was  one  of  the  most  staunch,  conserva- 
tive and  interested  members  of  that  meeting  and  of  Phila- 
delphia Quarter.  Being  strong  in  his  convictions,  he  was 
earnest  in  manner,  powerful  in  expression  and  influential 
with  the  concerned  Friends. 

In  1857  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Quakertown, 
where  again  they  became  members  of  Richland  Monthly 
Meeting,  and  where  they  continued  to  reside  for  seventeen 
years. 

Here  came  the  first  household  sorrow  to  himself  and  his 
present  wife.  Their  youngest  son,  James  J.  Levick,  Jr., 
died  at  the  age  of  six  years.  The  death  occurred  on  a 
First-day  morning,  and  when  the  struggle  was  over,  the 
bereaved  father  felt  that  it  would  be  right  for  him  to  attend 
his  meeting.    He  did  so,  and  was  greatly  favored  in  testi- 


162 


LIKE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


raony,  so  that,  probably,  many  hearts  were  touched  by  this 
pathetic  evidence  of  his  fidelity  to  the  promptings  of  duty. 

A  few  years  later  there  was  a  break  in  the  family  circle, 
occasioned  by  a  marriage.  Samuel's  oldest  child  and  only 
daughter,  Jane  Foulke  Levick,  was  married  to  Edwin  A. 
Jackson,  of  New  York  City.  The  marriage — with  the  ap- 
probation of  the  Monthly  Meeting — took  place  at  the  house 
of  her  father,  and  soon  afterwards  she  went  with  her  husband 
to  New  York,  where  they  have  ever  since  resided. 

The  family  now  consisted  of  Samuel  and  Susanna  and 
their  four  sons,  Lewis  J.,  Charles  M.,  Samuel  J.,  Jr.,  and 
William  M.,  Jr. 

Both  of  the  parents  being  favorable  to  a  liberal  education 
and  desirous  to  have  the  individual  preferences  of  their 
sons  carried  out,  it  became  a  matter  for  careful  and  delib- 
erate consideration  to  decide  upon  the  institutions  in  which 
they  should  be  placed  to  finish  the  scholastic  part  of  their 
education.  In  view  of  these  conditions,  William  finished 
at  Friends'  Central  School  in  Philadelphia ;  Charles  at 
Friends'  Boarding  School  in  Providence,  P.  I.  (at  which 
institution  his  brother  Samuel  was  at  one  time  a  pupil) ; 
and  Lewis  and  Samuel  at  Haverford  College.  The  selec- 
tion of  these  institutions  evinces  not  only  good  judgment 
on  the  part  of  the  parents,  but  also  the  confidence  they  felt 
in  the  training  given  by  Friends  in  both  branches  of  the 
Society. 

On  leaving  school  and  college  the  sons  all  inclined  to 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


163 


business  in  the  city,  and,  as  the  parents  desired  to  have 
them  at  home,  the  family  moved  to  Philadelphia  in  1874, 
though  for  several  years  after,  they  continued  to  pass  their 
summers  at  Quakertown. 

A  second  family  bereavement  was  the  death  of  the  son 
Samuel,  which  occurred  in  1880.  He  died  at  Quakertown, 
after  a  short  illness,  leaving  a  widow  and  three  children. 
This  unexpected  and  very  sad  event  was  a  great  blow  to 
the  parents,  who  were  preparing  to  go  on  a  religious  visit 
to  some  of  the  meetings  in  the  State  of  New  York. 

Though  often  called  away  from  home  on  Truth's  ac- 
count, Samuel  did  not  neglect  his  temporal  concerns,  but 
was  "  diligent  in  business,"  as  well  as  "fervent  in  spirit." 
While  the  higher  duties  always  took  the  precedence,  the 
lower  were  by  no  means  disregarded. 

During  the  period  from  1861  to  1865  our  country  was 
passing  through  the  ordeal  of  a  "  civil  war."  A  man  of 
Samuel  Levick's  keen  intellect,  quick  perceptions  and  ar- 
dent temperament,  must  not  be  supposed  to  have  been  an 
idle  spectator  to  the  thrilling  incidents  of  those  eventful 
times,  nor  an  indifferent  reflector  upon  the  effects  which 
they  were  likely  to  produce.  Some  of  his  more  cautious 
friends  were  disposed  to  remonstrate  with  him,  when  they 
heard  of  the  interest  that  he  was  manifesting  in  the  strug- 
gle; but  he  loved  his  country,  and  he  abhorred  slavery. 
So  he  felt  that  the  one  should  be  preserved  and  the  other 
destroyed,  though,  as  a  Friend  and  a  humane  man,  he 


164 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


deplored  the  means  employed,  and  greatly  desired  that 
the  effusion  of  blood  might  be  stayed.  On  this  grave 
subject  his  expressions  were  as  frank  as  his  convictions 
were  strong.  It  was  near  the  beginning  of  the  year  1862, 
when  visiting  at  the  house  of  a  friend  in  New  York,  that 
he  remarked  (in  substance) :  "  I  felt,  at  the  breaking  out  of 
this  war,  that  it  was  the  beginning  of  the  end  of  American 
slavery."  About  one  year  after  this  remark  was  made,  the 
Emancipation  Proclamation  went  into  effect. 

He  was  often  in  Washington,  and  he  had  personal  inter- 
views with  every  President  from  Lincoln  to  Arthur.  His 
admiration  and  esteem  for  Abraham  Lincoln  were  very 
great,  and  between  the  two  there  seemed  to  be  a  bond  of 
sympathy,  which  was  strengthened  by  the  freedom  of  their 
intercourse.  He  had  several  interviews  with  the  President 
and  with  Secretary  Stanton,  in  reference  to  the  attitude  of 
Friends  toward  the  administration,  and  to  their  peculiar 
position  with  regard  to  war  and  to  slavery. 

Near  the  end  of  the  year  1874  he  was  elected  a  member 
of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Pennsylvania  Society  for 
the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals,  and,  in  the  year  fol- 
lowing, he  succeeded  Prof.  Pliny  Earle  Chase  as  Secretary 
of  the  Society.  He  filled  this  place  during  the  remainder 
of  his  life,  and  the  value  of  his  services  therein  to  the  cause 
of  humanity  may  be  estimated  by  an  examination  of  the 
Annual  Reports  for  those  ten  years.  His  life,  which  had 
heretofore  been  active,  now  became  a  very  busy  one,  for 


MATURE    MANITOOD.  165 

not  only  was  the  time  occupied,  but  his  daily  duties  were 
fraught  with  grave  responsibilities,  the  discharge  of  which 
required  vigilance,  courage,  decision,  prudence  and — above 
all — conscientiousness. 

He  had  frequent  opportunities  to  mingle  with  the  humane 
men  of  his  own  and  of  other  cities,  to  compare  sentiments 
with  them  and  to  give  them  the  benefit  of  his  experi- 
ence connected  with  the  great  work  in  which  he  was  so 
deeply  interested.  On  the  other  hand,  his  duties  not  infre- 
quently brought  him  into  near  contact  with  some  of  the 
coarsest  and  most  depraved  men  to  be  found  outside  of 
prison  bars.  When  the  mute  appeals  of  the  dumb  creation 
demanded  his  intercession  on  their  behalf  he  was  fearless  in 
the  discharge  of  his  duty,  whether  it  required  him  to  stop 
cruel  or  careless  drivers  on  the  street,  to  apply  the  law  to 
boys  who  were  torturing  cats,  to  visit  the  slaughter-house 
where  needless  suffering  was  inflicted,  to  spy  out  the  dark 
dens  where  brutal  sports  were  connected  with  gambling, 
or  to  appear  before  the  courts  and  give  testimony  against 
those  who  had  been  caught  in  the  meshes  of  the  law  and 
were  undergoing  trial  for  cruelty  to  animals. 

Great  personal  courage  did  it  require  on  the  part  of  this 
vigilant  secretary  to  go  to  the  cock-pit — as  he  did  on  one 
occasion — near  midnight,  taking  with  him  officers  for  the 
arrest  of  the  principals  who  had  provided  this  cruel,  as  well 
as  unlawful,  entertainment.  So  skillfully  was  the  affair 
planned  and  so  fully  was  the  plan  carried  out,  that  the  men 


166 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


arrested  were  convicted  and  punished  according  to  law,  and 
about  thirty  fowls  were  captured  and  sent  to  the  Alms- 
house.* 

To  those  unacquainted  with  the  work  done  in  and  by 
this  Society,  it  would  be  a  matter  of  surprise  to  learn  the 
number  of  complaints  and  arrests  which  are  annually  made 
in  order  to  lessen  the  sufferings  that  are  willfully,  thought- 
lessly or  needlessly  inflicted  upon  the  brute  creation. 

The  details  of  suffering  in  many  of  the  cases  investigated 
by  the  efficient  officers  of  the  Society  are  so  realistic  and  so 
harrowing  that  we  almost  shrink  from  reading  the  account 
of  them.  We  may  state,  in  general,  that  suffering  has  been 
greatly  mitigated,  that  the  inflicters  of  it  have,  in  many 
cases,  been  punished,  that  the  law  has  become  a  terror  to 
evil-doers,  and  that  civilization  has  been  advanced  by  the 
well-directed  and  untiring  efforts  of  this  Society. t 

*  In  one  of  the  Reports  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  we  find  it  stated  that 
"The  experience  of  those  engaged  in  the  cruel  practice  of  dog  and  cock- 
fighting,  owing  to  the  numerous  arrests  made,  followed  by  convictions  and 
penalties,  with  loss  of  their  stock  from  confiscation,  which  the  law  requires, 
has  led  the  principals  to  extreme  caution  and  secrecy." 

f  The  founder  of  this  Commonwealth  would  probably  have  been  sorely 
distressed  if  he  could  have  foreseen  that,  in  two  hundred  years  from  the  time 
of  his  landing  and  making  his  treaty  with  the  Indians,  such  brutal  sports  as 
cock-fighting  and  dog-fighting  would  be  practised  in  his  beloved  Philadelphia, 
or  that  the  cruelty  and  the  avarice  of  man  would  require  over-exertion  of 
horses,  or  would  inflict  upon  them  suffering  caused  by  beating,  or  by  ill-fitting 
harness ;  that  cattle  and  swine  would  suffer  from  hunger  and  thirst  while 
making  long  journeys  in  crowded  cars ;  that  cats  (and  some  of  the  lower 
orders  of  animals)  would  be  subjected  to  torture  in  order  that  vicious  men 
and  boys  might  enjoy  the  brutal  pleasure  of  seeing  them  suffer  pain.    On  the 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


167 


In  the  autumn  of  1877  "  a  call  was  issued  by  the  Illinois 
Humane  Society,  inviting  the  different  Societies  on  the 
continent  for  the  Protection  of  Animals  to  send  delegates, 
to  meet  at  Cleveland,  Ohio."  Edmund  Webster  and  Sam- 
uel J.  Levick  represented  the  Pennsylvania  Society  in  the 
convention.  This  assembly  resolved  itself  into  an  organiza- 
tion known  as  the  International  Humane  Society,  of  which 
Samuel  J.  Levick,  of  Pennsylvania,  was  made  Treasurer, 
also  appointed  one  of  the  Advisory  Council  and  one  of  the 
Committee  on  Legislation.*  Holding  these  three  official 
positions,  he  attended  the  second  annual  meeting,  which 
was  held  in  Baltimore.  For  the  next  six  years  annual 
meetings  came  in  the  following  order:  Chicago,  Philadel- 
phia, Boston,  Buffalo,  Washington  and  Pittsburg.  To  all 
save  one  or  two  of  these  conventions,  Samuel  J.  Levick 
was  a  delegate,  representing  the  Pennsylvania  Society. 

He  was  also  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Society  to  Protect  Children  from  Cruelty,  incorpo- 
rated on  "  the  10th  day  of  March,  1877,"  and,  during  the 

other  hand,  what  interest  (as  we  have  good  reason  to  believe)  would  Penn 
have  taken  in  aiding  a  society  formed  for  the  express  purpose  of  correcting 
these  abuses.  What  hearty  support  would  he  have  given  to  the  worthy  men 
of  Philadelphia  who  have  labored  so  faithfully  in  this  cause,  it  is  probable 
that  no  humane  work  ever  accomplished  or  attempted  in  this  city  would  have 
been  more  in  accordance  with  his  wishes,  or  more  heartily  sanctioned  by  his 
approval,  than  that  carried  on  by  the  Pennsylvania  Society  for  the  Preven- 
tion of  Cruelty  to  Animals. 

*  Edwin  Lee  Brown,  of  Illinois,  was  chosen  President;  Abraham  Frith,  of 
Massachusetts,  Secretary;  and  George  T.  Angell,  of  Massachusetts,  one  of  the 
Advisory  Council.  Henry  Bergh,  of  New  York,  and  Coleman  Sellers,  of 
Pennsylvania,  were  among  the  Vice  Presidents. 


168 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


remainder  of  his  life,  lie  was  one  of  the  Board  of  Managers 
of  this  society.  "He  manifested  an  abiding  interest  in  the 
purpose  for  which  it  had  been  organized,  being  seldom 
absent  from  the  meetings,  and  taking  an  active  part  in  the 
debates.  His  voice  was  ever  raised  to  protect  the  suffering 
child  and  to  shield  it  from  the  hard  hand  of  its  cruel  master." 

It  may  be  said  that  he  was  one  of  the  pioneers  in  the 
movement  which  resulted  in  the  formation  of  this  society. 
His  friend,  John  D.  Wright,  who  was  an  active  worker  in 
the  one  in  New  York,  was  visiting  in  Philadelphia,  when 
he  and  Samuel  had  some  conversation  on  the  benefits  to  be 
derived  from  the  existence  of  such  societies,  especially  in 
large  cities.  The  conversation  resulted  in  calling  a  meet- 
ing in  Friends'  Meeting-house  on  Race  Street.  This  meet- 
ing, of  which  Samuel  J.  Levick  was  chairman  and  John  D. 
Wright  one  of  the  speakers,  was  held  on  the  twenty-first  of 
Ninth  Month,  1876.  It  was  followed  by  one,  a  week  later, 
in  a  hall  on  Chestnut  Street,  which  was  the  forerunner  of  a 
series  of  meetings  that  led  up  to  the  permanent  organiza- 
tion of  the  society,  of  which  Ex-Mayor  Daniel  M.  Fox  was 
made  President  and  Benjamin  J.  Crew,  Secretary.* 

*  This  Society,  as  may  be  seen  by  a  reference  to  its  reports,  has  done  a 
vast  amount  of  good  by  interference  and  protection  in  cases  of  cruelty  prac- 
tised upon  helpless  children ;  but  what  it  has  accomplished  negatively,  or  by 
intimidation,  can  neither  be  recorded  nor  estimated ;  for  the  knowledge  that 
such  an  organization  exists  is  a  source  of  terror  to  those  who  could  not  be 
reached  by  moral  suasion,  or  tendered  by  the  piteous  cries  of  their  own  off- 
spring, but  who  regard  the  agents  of  the  Society  as  the  custodians  of  a  rod  for 
punishment,  which  is  ready  for  application  whenever  the  law  shall  be  vio- 
lated in  the  treatment  of  children. 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


169 


Being  strongly  attached  to  his  native  city,  his  native 
State  and  his  worthy  ancestors,  who  were  among  the  early 
settlers,  also  having  a  profound  respect  for  the  memory  of 
William  Perm,  Samuel  J.  Levick  took  an  active  interest  in 
the  Pennsylvania  Bi-Centennial  Association,  and,  at  the 
request  of  its  President,  Edward  C.  Knight,  was  made  one 
of  the  Executive  Committee.  His  wonted  energy  was 
given  to  the  work  devolving  upon  him  in  this  position,  and 
his  ability  and  efficiency  were  appreciated  by  the  other 
members  of  the  committee,  as  well  as  by  the  President.* 

He  manifested  a  lively  interest  in  the  public  schools,  and 
in  every  agency  which  he  thought  would  promote  the  wel- 
fare and  increase  the  happiness  of  those  who  were  in  the 
morning  of  life.  While  his  own  children  were  carefully 
educated  in  institutions  conducted  by  Friends,  he  was  not 
indifferent  to  the  needs  of  the  many  who  were  receiving 

*  [The  following  note  is  taken  from  a  pamphlet  entitled  "Pennsylvania's 
Bi-Centennial,"  which  has  kindly  been  furnished  by  one  of  the  members  of 
that  Association. — Ed.] 

"  The  Bi-Centennial  Association  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania," 
whose  purpose  is  to  secure  a  proper  commemoration  of  the  Two-Hundredth 
Anniversary  of  the  founding  of  the  City  of  Philadelphia  and  the  Common- 
wealth of  Pennsylvania  by  William  Penn,  was  chartered  by  the  Court  of  Com- 
mon Pleas  of  the  County  of  Philadelphia,  on  January  29th,  1881,  and  is 
officered  as  follows  : 
President— Edward  C.  Knight. 

Vice  Presidents.— Hon.  Henry  D.  Moore,  Professor  Franklin  Taylor,  Profesor 

E.  D.  Cope,  James  C.  Thompson,  and  Clayton  McMlchael. 
Treasurer.— J.  Thomas  Stavely. 
Recording  Secretary.— Charles  W.  Alexander. 
Corresponding  Secretary.— Clifford  P.  MacCalla. 
(Jeneral  Manager.— Alexander  P.  Colesberry. 

11 


170 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


instruction  in  the  excellent  public  schools  of  his  native  city. 
Indeed,  he  was  an  earnest  advocate  for  the  "  common 
school"  system,  which  he  regarded  as  essential  for  the  edu- 
cation of  those  who  were  soon  to  become  American  citizens, 
but  whose  environment,  without  this  powerful  auxiliary, 
might  be  such  as  to  foster  ignorance  and  vice  in  the  days 
of  their  youth,  to  be  followed  by  idleness,  criminality  and 
defiance  of  law,  in  the  prime  of  their  manhood.  For  this 
class  he  regarded  the  public  school  as  invaluable. 

While  thus  interested  in  schools  for  training,  and  in 
societies  for  protecting  the  youth,  he  never  lost  sight  of  the 
very  great  importance  of  having  them  reared  in  a  well- 
ordered  home.  With  his  usual  candor,  he  was  free  to  ex- 
press his  opinion  as  to  the  delinquency  of  those  occupying 
the  responsible  station  of  parents,  who  neglected  their  chil- 
dren, or  who  left  them  to  be  cared  for  by  hirelings.  Or- 
ganized beneficence  he  thought  highly  commendable,  but 
those  who  engage  in  it  should  look  at  home  first.  Children 
should  receive  from  their  parents  a  full  measure  of  loving 
sympathy,  and  such  advice  as  would  enable  them  to  find 
the  pathway  of  uprightness  and  to  walk  steadily  therein  ; 
while,  in  return,  they  should  render  filial  affection  and 
unquestioning  obedience  to  those  whom  Providence  has 
placed  over  them  as  caretakers. 

Such  were  the  sentiments  of  Samuel  J.  Levick,  as  ex- 
pressed in  public  discourses  and  in  private  conversation, 
on  the  mutual  obligations  of  parents  and  children ;  and  he 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


171 


believed  that,  as  these  were  fulfilled,  they  would  prepare 
the  way  in  the  youthful  mind  for  the  reception  of  the 
higher  law  which,  by  the  work  of  grace,  would,  in  due 
time,  be  revealed  to  it.  "  First  the  blade,  then  the  ear, 
after  that  the  full  corn  in  the  ear,"  was  a  text  that  he  often 
quoted  and  fittingly  applied  to  early  religious  experience. 

It  is  a  source  of  regret  that  we  have  not  more  from  his 
pen  during  the  later  }-ears  of  his  life,  but  his  mission  then 
seemed  to  be  to  mingle  with  the  people  and  to  do  what 
good  he  could  in  his  daily  walk  among  men,  in  social  con- 
verse, in  private  interviews  and  in  public  discourses.  Those 
who  were  privileged  to  sit  under  his  ministry  at  the  time 
referred  to,  can  testify  that  he  was  much  favored  in  the 
exercise  of  his  gift,  so  that  large  assemblies  were  often  sol- 
emnized thereby,  as  was  evident  from  the  stillness  that 
prevailed  after  he  had  taken  his  seat. 

He  seemed  to  be  especially  favored  in  his  communica- 
tions delivered  in  Race  Street  Meeting  on  Fourth-days, 
when  several  hundred  school  children  were  present  and 
were  attentive  listeners  to  his  exhortations.  The  older 
ones  often  spoke  of  these  interesting  sermons,  and  some 
who  are  now  in  the  meridian  of  life  still  recur,  with  feel- 
ings of  satisfaction,  to  the  impressions  made  upon  their 
minds  in  those  weekly  gatherings.  A  very  considerable 
number  of  the  pupils  were  not  Friends,  but  were  the  chil- 
dren of  parents  belonging  to  other  religious  denominations, 
and  were  accustomed  to  go  to  the  "  Sabbath  School"  con- 


172 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


neeted  with  the  church  which  their  parents  attended ;  but 
the  discourses  of  Samuel  J.  Levick  were  as  well  adapted  to 
these  young  people  as  they  were  to  the  Friends.  Being 
catholic  in  spirit,  non-sectarian  in  sentiment,  sympathetic 
with  the  young,  apt  in  illustration  and  tree  in  expression, 
he  seemed  to  be  an  instrument  well  qualified  to  proclaim  a 
Gospel  message  in  these  mixed  but  interesting  assemblies. 

In  Meetings  for  Discipline  he  manifested  an  abiding  in- 
terest in  the  subjects  that  came  before  them,  and  when  he 
expressed  a  sentiment  therein,  it  was  usually  given  with  an 
earnestness  that  carried  with  it  the  weight  of  his  own  con- 
viction. "  Speak  unto  .  .  Israel  that  they  go  forward." 
"  Ye  have  encompassed  this  mountain  long  enough,"  was 
with  him  a  sentiment,  an  exhortation  and  a  rule  of  action. 

Of  his  last  illness  there  is  not  much  to  be  said,  except 
that  it  found  him  prepared  for  the  solemn  change.  He  had 
settled  his  outward  affairs  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  and  his 
inward  accounts  had  been  balanced  day  by  day  on  his  jour- 
ney through  life,  from  the  time  of  his  full  convincement 
that  his  will  ivas  not  his  own.  He  did  not  forget  the  day  of 
his  espousal,  when  he  had  offered  up  his  young  heart — a 
full  surrender — on  the  altar  of  obedience  to  manifested 
duty.  Then,  after  passing  through  deep  waters,  he  experi- 
enced just  what  it  meant  to  have  his  feet  placed  upon  the 
rock,  even  that  rock  which  no  storms  can  shake,  no  earth 
quakes  overthrow. 

On  the  eleventh  of  Fourth  Month,  1885,  he  awoke  in  the 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


178 


morning,  feeling  not  so  well  as  usual,  and  very  thoughtful 
as  to  his  ability  to  attend  a  funeral  in  the  country.  But  in 
this,  as  in  other  eases  in  which  religious  service  was  in- 
volved, he  had  only  to  consult  the  Oracle — laying  aside 
human  reason  and  surrendering  his  own  will — which  he 
did,  and  found  that  it  would  be  right  for  him  to  go.  In 
the  evening  he  came  home,  fatigued  in  body,  but  having  no 
doubt  that  he  had  been  in  his  place  that  day.  Xext  morn- 
ing he  felt  excused  from  going  to  meeting  (it  was  First- 
day),  and  rested  quietly  at  home.  On  Second  and  Third- 
days  he  went,  as  usual,  to  the  office  of  the  society  of  which 
he  was  secretary,  and  on  Third-day  evening  he  left  it  for 
the  last  time.  During  the  remaining  five  days  he  had  seve- 
ral attacks  of  oppression,  which  seemed  to  indicate  that  the 
end  was  not  far  distant  and  that  it  might  come  suddenly. 
His  brother,  who  attended  him  professionally,  sought  to 
relieve  the  oppression,  though  he  knew  that  his  treatment 
of  the  case  could  be  only  palliative — there  was  no  hope  of 
cure. 

On  Seventh-day,  the  18th,  Samuel  took  an  opportunity 
with  his  wife,  to  tell  her  that  he  had  settled  his  outward 
affairs,  that  it  seemed  to  him  as  if  his  work  was  done,  and 
that  he  felt  very  peaceful.  Having  thus  informed  her  that 
he  was  aware  of  his  situation,  and  perceiving  that  she  was 
much  overcome,  he  did  not  press  the  matter  farther,  but 
seemed  to  be  as  cheerful  afterwards  as  he  had  been  all 
through  his  illness.    That  night,  for  the  first  time,  he  was 


174 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


unable  to  lie  down;  but  on  First-day  morning  he  was  so 
much  more  comfortable  that  he  remarked,  "  I  feel  well 
enough  to  go  to  meeting." 

Between  the  spells  of  oppression  he  did  not  suffer  much 
— at  least  did  not  manifest  suffering — but  mingled  with  his 
family  in  his  usual  bright  and  cheerful  way.  His  daughter 
and  her  husband  were  visiting  at  his  house,  having  come 
from  New  York  before  he  was  taken  ill,  and  were  with  him 
during  the  last  week  of  his  life.  By  a  remarkable  coinci- 
dence they  were  the  only  persons  present  when  he  passed 
away. 

On  First-day  evening  he  went  to  the  tea-table  with  his 
family,  and  mingled  pleasantly  with  them  during  the  meal. 
On  returning  to  the  sitting-room,  he  thought  that  a  little 
exercise  might  be  beneficial,  so  he  walked  several  times 
across  the  room,  supported  on  the  arm  of  his  wife.  The 
doctor  came  in,  and  told  him  that  he  was  better,  to  which 
he  readily  assented,  and  then  directions  were  given  as  to 
what  should  be  done  in  case  of  a  recurrence  of  the  oppres- 
sion. His  wife,  soon  after  the  doctor's  departure,  went  into 
another  room  to  prepare  the  medicine  which  might  be 
needed  during  the  night.  His  son  Charles  had  gone  away 
a  short  distance,  and  his  children,  Edwin  and  Jane  Jackson, 
were  sitting  by  him  when  they  observed  the  change.  Jane 
quickly  called  her  mother,  who  hastened  to  return,  but  only 
to  find  that  all  was  over.    There  had  been  no  spasm,  no 


MATURE  MANHOOD. 


175 


struggle.  He  died  in  his  chair,  and  his  countenance  wore 
an  expression  approaching  a  smile. 

"How  many  fall  as  sudden,  not  as  safe." 

His  denth  occurred  at  his  residence,  in  West  Philadel- 
phia, on  First-day,  the  nineteenth  of  Fourth  Month,  1885. 
If  he  had  lived  four  months  and  eleven  days  longer,  he 
would  have  been  sixty-six  years  old.  The  funeral  took 
place  on  the  following  Fourth-day,  at  Merion  Friends' 
Meeting-house,  and  the  large  number  that  assembled  to 
pay  their  tribute  of  respect  to  the  departed,  gave  evidence 
of  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held.  Many  were  there  who 
lamented  the  loss  of  an  eminently  useful  citizen,  while,  in 
the  Society  of  Friends,  it  was  felt  that  a  prince  in  Israel 
had  fallen. 

In  the  ministry,  both  branches  of  Friends  were  represented 
on  the  occasion,  and  the  testimonies  borne  made  a  solemn 
impression  upon  the  large  assembly. 

The  interment  took  place  in  the  ground  adjacent  to  the 
meeting-house,  where  a  number  of  his  worthy  ancestors  had 
been  buried. 

As  the  company  were  dispersing,  a  relative  privately 
quoted  the  text,  "And  they  buried  him  .  .  .  among 
the  kings,  because  he  had  done  good  in  Israel,  both  toward 
God  and  toward  his  house." 

The  mature  life  of  Samuel  J.  Levick  came  to  a  sudden — 
it  would  seem  irreverent  to  call  it  untimely — close;  and 
though  lacking  but  a  few  years  of  the  allotted  period,  he  had 


176 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


neither  the  appearance  nor  the  manner  of  an  old  man,  but 
retained  a  freshness  and  vivacity  that  seemed  like  perennial 
youth ;  so  that,  in  the  absence  of  dates,  the  observing 
stranger  who  met  him  on  the  street,  the  friend»who  en- 
gaged him  in  conversation,  or  the  many  who  listened  to  his 
public  discourses,  would  not  have  been  surprised  to  hear 
him  say  of  himself : 

"  I  stand  on  life's  meridian  height." 

The  few  days  of  his  isolation  from  his  many  friends  had 
not  prepared  them  to  part  with  him,  or  to  regard  as  an  in- 
valid one  who  had  been  so  active  and  so  sprightly ;  hence, 
when  they  call  up  to  view  his  beaming  countenance  and 
remember  his  strong  personality,  they  think  of  him  not  as 
of  one  worn  out  in  the  service  of  life,  but  quietly  released 
from  his  labors  to  receive  the  reward  of  "  Well  done." 


CHAPTER  VI. 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

No  Date. 

To  M.  G. 

Dear  Friend: — After  an  evening  passed  in  free  and 
open  converse  on  the  nature  of  Truth,  and  on  its  work- 
ings, I  feel  free  to  write  to  thee  that  thou  may  know  that  I, 
Samuel  J.  Levick,  do  not  feel  that  any  good  thing  is  of 
me,  or  that  I  have  power  to  do  or  to  think  any  good  thing. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


177 


But  I  do  know  that  it  has  pleased  the  Almighty  God  to 
give  unto  me  a  life  which  is  not  natural,  and,  therefore,  not 
visible,  which  is  of  his  own  right-hand  planting,  and  which, 
having  come  from  Him,  is  pure,  for  He  is  pure.  And, 
being  of  Him  who  hath  all  power,  it — the  life — has  power 
over  all  other  lives,  over  the  life  of  sin,  over  all  the  powers 
of  darkness.  He,  the  Author  of  this  life,  is  also  the  Pre- 
server of  it,  for  He  keeps  it  and  feeds  it,  and  no  man  is  able 
to  pluck  it  out  of  my  Heavenly  Father's  hand.  Now,  the 
world  has  not  this  life,  neither  has  thou  come  to  it  in 
knowledge,  or  thou  would  know  it  to  keep  thee,  as  I  have 
known,  and  do  know  it,  to  keep  me.  But  I  have  travailed 
with  thee  in  great  tenderness  and  love,  and  my  spirit  has 
been  dipped  into  feeling  with  thine,  believing  that  it  is  the 
will  of  heaven  to  give  thee  to  know  of  this  life  ;  also,  that 
thou  art  loved  of  the  Lord,  and  by  me  in  this  life  ;  and  my 
spirit  travails  with  thee  that  this  life  may  be  brought  forth 
in  thee.  Oh,  then  thou  wilt  witness  the  vail  of  the  temple 
to  be  rent,  and  the  everlasting  covenant  of  life  to  be  given 
— a  covenant  that  cannot  be  broken  !  The  law  will  be  writ- 
ten in  the  heart,  and  the  Word  will  be  nigh,  in  the  heart 
and  in  the  mouth.  The  old  heaven  and  the  old  earth  will 
pass  away,  and  a  new  heaven  will  be  opened  where  Christ 
sitteth,  where  his  glory  and  power  will  cover  thee,  where 
thou  will  rest  in  the  enjoyment  of  his  glorious  presence. 
Oh,  that  thou  may  "press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of 
the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus!" 


178  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

Now,  the  fear  that  rests  with  thee,  as  to  the  danger  of 
the  state  alluded  to,  is  groundless;  for  "pride  goeth  before 
destruction,  and  a  haughty  spirit  before  a  fall."  But  they 
who  are  in  the  redeemed  state,  having  parted  with  all  their 
possessions,  all  of  self,  have  nothing  to  be  proud  of.  They  are 
poor,  having  nothing  of  their  own.  This  poverty  is  neees- 
sai'y  to  the  receiving  of  the  precious  gift,  and  those  who  are 
not  poor  in  spirit  cannot  have  it  bestowed  upon  them  It  is 
only  the  poor  in  spirit  that  are  to  possess  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

Now,  this  stripping  which  we  are  called  to  undergo,  is 
that  which  brings  us  under  trial;  for  it  is  hard  to  give  up 
all,  to  lay  all  our  crowns  at  his  feet.  But  such  are  the 
terms.  There  is  no  other  way.  After  having  made  the 
surrender,  we  find  that  He  gives  "  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil 
of  joy  for  mourning,  and  for  a  spirit  of  heaviness  the  gar- 
ment of  praise."  Those  who  are  thus  clad,  thus  endowed, 
are  prepared  to  "  mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles,"  to  "  run 
and  not  be  weary,"  to  "  walk  and  not  faint." 

I  have  felt  it  was  right  that  I  held  up  the  excellency  of 
this  gift  before  thee  and  you,  that  you  may  all  be  encour- 
aged to  seek  Christ,  our  Holy  Redeemer,  and  receive  Him 
in  the  way  of  his  coming.  There  is,  in  the  blessed  Truth, 
a  reality  that  is  worth  parting  with  all  to  receive.  Oh, 
the  rest,  the  peace,  that  is  experienced  when  the  true  Sab- 
bath-day dawns ;  that  day  which  is  blessed  and  sanctified  of 
God,  and  to  be  kept  holy  unto  the  Lord.    Be  not  anxious. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


170 


Mary  seated  herself  when  she  knew  that  the  Lord  was  com- 
ing, and  waited  until  He  called  for  her.  As  soon  as  she 
heard  that  He  had  called  for  her,  "she  arose  quickly,  and 
came  unto  Him."  Now,  this  is  the  duty.  To  go  out  and 
meet  Him  when  He  calls  for  us. 

Without  knowing  thee  in  person,  I  have  felt  with  thee  in 
our  religious  meetings,  and  I  feel  drawn  in  freedom,  which 
the  love  of  God  gives,  to  go  and  visit  thee,  feeling  that  thy 
spirit  is  tender. 

In  much  nearness  I  am  thy  well-wisher  in  the  Truth  of 
God,  Samuel  J.  Levick. 

No  Date. 

To  J.  B.  C. 

Esteemed  Friend: — Thy  communication  of  the  twenty- 
first  instant  came  to  hand  yesterday,  and  I  am  glad  that 
thou  felt  at  liberty  to  address  me.  It  is  my  hope. that  I 
may  always  be  willing  to  receive  inquiries,  and,  if  able,  to 
furnish  any  information  that  may  tend  to  enlighten  the 
minds  of  my  fellow-men,  to  be  as  free  to  impart  it  as  I  am 
to  be  instructed  by  them. 

Thou  art  one  of  a  class  of  our  members  that  I  feel  sym- 
pathy with,  believing  them  to  be  honest  in  their  inquiries, 
and  desirous  to  be  found  doing  that  which  they  believe  to 
be  right.  Thou  art  zealous  in  thy  endeavors  to  promote 
those  works  which  have  for  their  object  the  increase  and 
the  spread  of  righteousness  and  peace.  I  can  heartily  sym- 
pathize with  thee  and  with  those  who  are  like-minded,  and 


ISO 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


can  understand  your  feelings;  for  it  has  been  with  me  as 
thou  has  inferred,  that  I  have  stood  as  one  of  the  active  in 
the  works  of  anti-slavery  and  non-resistance,  and  have  been 
joined  with  others  for  the  promotion  of  them.  I  have  even 
seen  the  day  when  I  felt  that  I  could  not,  by  an  act  of 
my  own,  acknowledge  fellowship  with  the  Society  of  Friends, 
but  that  I  must  stand  aloof  from  them,  because  of  their 
(as  I  then  thought)  apparent  apathy  toward  these  reforms. 
But  it  is  meet  that  I  should  come  directly  to  thy  queries, 
and  answer  them  as  I  now  view  the  situation.  Thou  art 
"  desirous  to  know"  my  "  opinion  respecting  the  position  of 
the  Society  of  Friends  at  the  present  time,  and  the  course 
to  be  pursued  by  those  who  feel  it  their  duty  to  act  in  some 
more  efficient  way  than,  it  seems  to  many,  the  Society  is 
now  doing." 

I  presume  thou  desires  to  know  my  opinion  respecting 
the  position  of  the  Society  of  Friends  in  relation  to  the 
subjects  of  anti-slavery  and  peace.  In  reply,  I  will  state 
that  I  believe,  as  a  body,  as  a  whole,  there  is  in  the  Society  a 
strong,  an  increasing  feeling  on  these  subjects,  a  feeling 
that  will  enable  it — as  light  and  ability  are  furnished — to 
bear  to  the  nations  of  the  world  a  testimony  against  the 
great  evils  of  war  and  slavery.  But,  while  I  believe  this  to 
be  the  case  with  the  Society,  as  a  body,  I  do  painfully  ac- 
knowledge that  there  are,  even  among  those  who  appear 
active,  evidences  of  a  want  of  a  living  concern  for  the  testi- 
monies that  we  are  professing  to  bear.    If  we  believe,  as  I 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


181 


do,  that  the  Spirit  of  Truth  dwells  in  the  heart  of  the  true 
Friend  (let  me  he  understood),  and  that  those  who  dwell  in 
the  light  and  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  Truth  are  the  true 
Friends;  then  we  must  admit  that  these,  and  these  only, 
who  are  guided  by  this  light,  constitute  the  Society  of 
Friends.  And,  as  this  Spirit  will  lead  and  guide  into  all 
Truth,  it  gives  to  every  possessor  of  it  a  testimony  to  bear 
in  accordance  with  itself.  Those  who  are  not  guided  by 
the  Spirit  of  Truth  are  not  in  unity  with  the  Society, 
though  they  may  claim  a  right  of  membership.  Yet  the 
living  members  feel  no  unity  with  their  conduct;  no  more 
than  they  feel  with  that  of  the  living  members.  These 
nominal  members,  who  are  ready  to  work  without  any  in- 
ward call,  are  generally  known  for  their  much-speaking, 
and  they  would  make  it  appear  that  they  speak  the  mind  of 
the  body. 

The  distinguishing  principle  of  the  Society  of  Friends  is, 
that  the  Spirit  of  Truth  is  given  to  man  for  a  director,  and 
that,  if  we  are  the  children  of  God,  we  will  walk  by  this 
Spirit,  and  know  it  to  be  the  governor  of  our  lives  in  all 
our  movements.  When  we  come  to  be  thus  governed,  we 
shall  find  that  all  that  is  good  in  us  will  be  strengthened, 
and  we  shall  be  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful,  but  "  always 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord."  I  have  confidence  to 
believe  that  this  Spirit  is  the  governor  of  very  many  within 
our  pale,  and  with  these  I  have  unity.  These,  being  living 
members,  cannot  be  dead  to  the  cause  of  suffering  human- 


182 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


ity,  or  to  any  other  cause  which  keeps  the  Truth  in  bondage 
to  the  spirit  of  anti-Christ.  There  are  but  two  spirits 
in  the  world — one  is  of  Christ,  the  other  of  anti-Christ. 
War,  slavery,  self-sufficiency,  pride,  vanity,  intemperance, 
licentiousness,  etc.,  are  not  causes,  but  effects,  of  the  spirit  of 
anti-Christ  on  the  mind.  In  this,  I  trust,  we  can  all  unite. 
And,  such  being  the  case,  we  must  admit  that  they  can  be 
overcome  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  and  only  by  this.  "We 
must  have  Christ  in  us,  and  He  must  be  our  director  in  the 
work.  We  must,  therefore,  perceive  that  all  that  is  in  us 
that  opposes  his  kingdom  being  established,  must  be  re- 
moved, or  we  must,  at  least,  be  in  such  a  state  as  to  desire 
its  removal.  This,  as  I  believe,  is  the  ground  upon  which 
the  Society  of  Friends  has  stood  from  its  first  rise,  and  upon 
which  it  now  stands.  The  means  that  the  Spirit  of  Christ 
uses  to  perform  the  work  of  reformation  are  different  from 
those  used  by  man,  who  engages  in  the  work,  "  regardless 
of  superior  strength,  and  vainly  trusts  his  own."  If  we  are 
laboring  without  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  we  are  under  the 
influence  of  the  spirit  of  anti-Christ.  But  mark — I  do  not 
say  that  those  who  are  co-laboring  with  those  who  are  not 
Friends,  are  acting  against  Christ.  No;  I  make  no  such 
charge  against  them,  but  would  have  them  query  whether 
or  not  the  actions  of  the  organizations  in  which  they  are 
working  are  after  the  Spirit  of  Christ.  Individuals  may  be 
innocent,  but  is  the  basis  of  the  organization  laid  on  the 
alone  sure  foundation  ?    Do  they  acknowledge  that  the  im- 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


183 


mediate  revelation  of  Christ's  will  to  us  shall  he  our  alone 
motive  to  action,  or  are  they  based  on  a  very  different 
foundation,  viz:  That  man's  knowledge  of  the  evils  of 
war,  slavery  and  intemperance  is  a  sufficient  reason  for  his 
crying  against' them  ?  They  speak  of  doing  the  work  of 
Christ,  of  endeavoring  to  hasten  the  day  when  Christ's 
government  shall  be  established,  when  the  sword  shall  be 
beaten  into  a  plow-share,  and  the  spear  into  a  pruning- 
hook,  and  men  and  nations  shall  learn  war  no  more.  But 
all  this  good  work  is  to  be  done  without  the  assistance  of 
Christ;  for  many,  very  many,  who  compose  these  reform 
societies,  and  whose  sentiments  give  a  bearing  to  their 
course  of  procedure,  positively  deny  that  Christ's  Spirit  does 
teach  the  people  immediately.  How,  therefore,  can  the 
true  Friend  unite  with  these,  while  he  believes  that,  to  per- 
form any  work  for  Christ,  it  must  be  done  with  the  aid  of 
his  Spirit  ? 

It  was  not  until  I  saw  things  in  this  light  that  I  could 
understand  why  I  should  not  unite,  or  continue  united, 
with  those  who  do  not  acknowledge  the  necessity  of  having 
the  aid  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  in  order  to  promote  the 
works  of  righteousness.  •  I  may  say  that  I  never  felt  con- 
demnation for  what  /  had  done,  for  I  felt  that  I  had  done 
my  duty,  according  to  the  light  then  given  me.  But  it  was  not 
while  I  was  working  with  the  societies  that  I  saw  things 
thus;  and  when  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  be  more  quiet,  there  was 
no  reason  shown  me  why  I  should  be  so.    But  in  time  it 


184 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


was  made  apparent,  and  I  now  feel  I  can  do  all  that  is 
required  -of  me  as  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends, 
without  being  connected  with  any  outside  body  that  has 
been  organized  to  promote  reforms. 

And,  my  friend,  I  believe,  as  thou  has  thy  mind  gathered 
more  into  a  state  of  silent  waiting,  thou  will  be  brought  to 
see  that  it  is  not  the  amount  of  labor  we  perform  that  is 
acceptable,  but  obedience  to  the  Divine  command  in  all  that  Ave 
do.  Then  thine  eye  will  be  opened  to  see  that  there  is 
room  and  opportunity  in  thy  own  Society  for  thee  to  per- 
form whatever  services  thy  Almighty  Parent  is  requiring  at 
thy  hand.  As  thou  art  obedient  to  his  requirements,  He 
may  perhaps  enable  thee  to  open  the  eyes  of  others,  even 
those  who  are  now  lukewarm,  to  see  the  importance  of  a 
more  faithful  observance  of  our  testimonies.  Well  do  I 
remember  my  feelings  in  the  days  of  my  great  zeal  in  the 
anti-slavery  cause.  I  looked  upon  the  Society  of  Friends, 
and  felt  chilled  on  beholding  the  apathy  of  so  many  of  its 
members,  while  I  stumbled  at  the  inconsistencies  of  many 
more.  Some  seemed  to  be  swallowed  up  in  political  strife, 
some  in  the  spirit  of  the  world,  and  some  who  were  almost 
willing  to  unite  with  the  slave-holder  for  purposes  of 
gain.  The  query  in  my  mind  was,  How  can  I  unite  with 
these  ?  Well  do  I  remember  the  reply  that  came  to  this 
query,  Are  there  not  those  in  the  Society  with  whom  thou 
art  united  ?  Are  not  the  principles  of  this  people  thy  prin- 
ciples ?    And,  if  not  among  these,  where  can  thou  find  any 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


185 


people  with  whom  thou  can  unite?  Thou  art  not  called  to 
unite  with  those  who  are  stifling  the  Divine  principle  by 
their  worldly-mindeclness,  nor  yet  with  those  wljp  are  seek- 
ing to  tear  down  anti-Christ  by  their  own  strength,  in  the 
activity  of  the  creature;  but  to  the  Society  of  Friends, 
to  the  true  seed,  to  those  who  are  following  the  Lamb 
whithersoever  He  leadeth.  Since  this  view  was  opened  to 
me,  I  have  found  that  there  is  life  in  the  Society  of  Friends, 
in  the  body,  and  I  have  labored,  as  ability  has  been  given, 
for  the  establishment  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  hearts  of 
the  children  of  men,  and  I  now  feel  willing  to  go  whereso- 
ever the  Master  may  send  me,  for  the  purpose  of  doing  his 
will.  But  I  should  fear  to  go  without  his  commission,  lest 
my  labor  be  fruitless,  and,  peradventure,  myself  perish  in 
the  attempt. 

I  well  know  the  nature  of  the  human  heart  when  warmed 
with  sympathy  for  the  oppressed  and  afflicted,  and  the 
natural  disposition  to  censure  those  who  may  not  feel  as  we 
feel.  Oh,  let  us  beware  of  this  untempered  zeal !  I  well 
remember  how  I  felt  toward  many  of  those  who  were 
fathers  in  the  Truth.  I  judged  them  as  being  pro-slavery, 
because  they  did  not  think  as  I  thought.  Yet,  on  a  more 
intimate  acquaintance  with  them,  I  found  that  they  were 
alive  to  the  subject,  but  were  not  at  liberty  to  do  as  I  did. 

I  am,  very  truly,  thy  friend,  Samuel  J.  Levick. 


12 


186 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


  1844. 

Dear  G.: — Thou  art  nearly  attached  unto  me  in  the 
love  of  the^  Gospel  of  Christ,  which  has  breathed  into  my 
spirit  a  living  desire  for  thy  salvation  and  thy  correct  walk- 
ing. I  feel  solicitous  for  thee,  that  thou  may  lay  aside  all 
feelings  of  jealousy  or  party  supremacy,  and  that  the  eter- 
nal law  of  God  may  be  thy  only  guide.  Before  this  can 
take  place,  thou  must  cease  to  confer  with  flesh  and  blood, 
must  lay  aside  those  feelings  which  belong  to  the  creature, 
and  must  abide  under  the  revealed  will  of  thy  Heavenly 
Father.  He  hath,  if  I  mistake  not,  opened  thy  eye  to  see 
into  his  kingdom,  but  thou  has  not  yet  left  off  looking 
with  thy  other  eye  upon  the  earth.  Hence  it  is,  that  thou 
art  stumbling  over  the  forms,  the  doctrines,  the  beliefs  of 
man.  Thou  art  accepting  as  doctrine  the  commandments  of 
men,  from  which  both  eye  and  ear  should  be  turned,  so  that 
the  Lord  of  Hosts  may  be  thy  director,  thy  counselor,  thy 
judge.  Behold  how  it  was  with  the  child,  Jesus,  when 
questioned,  reprovingly,  for  having  left  his  parents.  His 
only  explanation  was  the  query,  "  Wist  ye  not  that  I  must 
be  about  my  Father's  business  ?"  Oh,  this  is  what  we  must 
do  !  I  care  not  what  be  the  course,  whether  it  be  this  name 
to  religion,  or  that  name,  or  whether  it  be  to  be  alone, 
only  so  that  we  are  about  the  "  Father's  business."  This 
business  will  not  be  to  preach  for  doctrines  the  command- 
ments of  men,  but  by  his  holy  Spirit  He  will  give  thee  to 
see  that  humble  obedience  to  his  manifestations,  regardless 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


187 


of  the  praise  or  censure  of  men,  will  be  thy  lot.  Then  will 
thou  behold  that  He  is  not  a  Jew  that  is  one  outwardly, 
that  circumcision  or  uncircumcision  proflteth  nothing,  but 
a  new  creature.  Then  will  all  things  become  new,  and  all  of 
God.  Thy  views  will  be  changed,  education  will  give  place 
to  revelation,  thou  will  be  qualified — whether  required  or 
not — to  give  "  a  reason  for  the  hope  that  is  in  thee,"  for 
thou  will  rind  that  the  mysteries  which  godliness  presents 
to  thy  mind  will  vanish  as  the  morning  dew  before  the  sun. 
Art  thou  not,  my  brother,  conferring  too  much  with  flesh 
and  blood  ;  looking  with  that  e}'e  that  is  on  the  earth  ?  Oh, 
what  a  concern  I  feel  on  this  account,  for  I  believe  the  Lord 
would  call  thee  into  his  work  and  service,  if  thou  would 
look  only  to  Him  with  the  single  eye  of  faith,  and  not 
regard  apparent  consequences !  I  know  thy  difficulties,  for 
I  have  passed  measurably  through  the  same  dispensation. 

Oh,  G  ,  my  spirit  has  been  thus  baptized  when  there 

was  none  to  comfort,  save  One!  But  oh,  blessed  Com- 
forter, He  would  come,  and  pour  the  oil  and  the  wine  into 
my  wounded  spirit!  Wounded,  not  by  an  enemy,  but  by 
those  most  beloved,  and  hence  the  keener  and  harder  to 
bear.  But  oh,  thrice  and  forever  blessed  be  his  name, 
by  humbly  submitting,  hard  things  were  made  easy  and 
crooked  things  were  made  straight !  Added  to  these  trials, 
was  my  own  exercise  of  spirit  at  that  time,  in  regard  to 
other  things,  and  the  load  was  about  as  heavy  as  my  poor 
body  could  well  hear.    I  grew  pale  and  thin.  Another 


188 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


sacrifice  was  now  called  for.  I  must  leave  my  home,  with 
all  its  ties,  and  go  among  strangers  ;  must  forsake  my  for- 
mer associations,  my  friends  and  my  business  prospects — 
and  these  were  not  mean  ;  must  leave  my  father  in  the 
decline  of  his  life,  when  my  assistance  would  have  been 
especially  valuable  to  him.  I,  the  eldest  of  their  six  chil- 
dren, must  leave  my  father  and  my  mother,  and  find  a 
home  elsewhere.  This  was  a  proving  dispensation,  but 
thanks  be  unto  my  Holy  Sustainer,  He  was  my  strength 
and  my  support.  He  comforted  me,  He  fed  me.  And 
when  it  was  accomplished,  when  the  hour  came,  and  I  was 
separated,  the  sweet  reward  that  I  had ;  words  cannot  ex- 
press, nor  language  convey  my  feelings.  Such  has  been 
my  experience.-  The  reward  for  this  surrender  is  being 
more  and  more  felt,  and  I  trust  this  will  not  be  the  end  of 
my  labors,  for  my  friends  now  see  that  there  is  a  reality  in 
the  religion  that  I  profess. 

My  brother,  I  do  not  advise  thee  to  go  contrary  to  the 
wishes  of  thy  parents  or  thy  friends,  but  if  the  voice  of  thy 
God  say  go,  or  say  stay,  obey  it;  for  in  obedience  thou  will 
find  peace.  But,  I  beseech  thee,  go  not  back  unto  the  beg- 
garly elements,  and  let  not  the  language  of  Paul  to  the  Ga- 
latians  be  applicable  in  thy  case,  "  Having  begun  in  the 
Spirit,  are  ye  now  made  perfect  by  the  flesh  ?"  I  want 
thee,  my  brother,  to  be  a  preacher  of  operative  righteous- 
ness, an  upholder  of  the  simple  Truths  that  Jesus  taught, 
which  are  love,  forgiveness,  obedience,  etc.    It  is  not  in  cir- 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


189 


eumeision,  for  the  Apostle  said  to  them  that  were  circum- 
cised, "  Christ  shall  profit  you  nothing."  I  would  have 
thee  let  these  things  alone,  or,  at  least,  until  instructed  as 
Peter  was  when  the  query  was  put  to  him,  "  Whom  say  ye 
that  I,  the  Son  of  Man,  am?" 

With  loving  interest,  I  am 

Thy  friend, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Spring  Lawn,  First  Month  23rd,  1844. 

To  William  M.  Levick. 

Dear  Brother 1  trust  that,  while  life  is  ours  to  enjoy, 
the  feeling  of  brotherly  affection  may  never  know  an  ebb- 
ing in  either  of  our  bosoms,  and  the  most  certain  way 
whereby  it  may  be  preserved  unimpaired  and  known  to 
tiow  in  a  clear  and  unrippled  current,  is  for  us  to  make  the 
Lord  our  God;  to  know  Him  to  be  the  Governor  of  our 
thoughts,  our  actions  and  our  lives.  Then,  although  dis- 
tance may  separate  us,  and  the  pathways  of  life  which  we 
tread  be  different,  still  will  the  fraternal  affection  remain 
unimpaired. 

We  shall  remember  the  days  of  our  childhood,  when  all 
were  canopied  under  our  parents'  roof,  the  seasons  of  enjoy- 
ment that  we  then  experienced,  the  fond  care  and  parental 
solicitude  that  were  manifested  for  our  welfare,  and  these 
memories  will  increase  our  desires  to  do  all  that  we  can  to 
repay  those  tender  and  watchful  guardians  of  our  youth  by 


190  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

walking  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  by  inclining  our  ear  to 
his  voice,  and  by  loving  each  other.  By  pursuing  such  a 
course,  with  the  blessing  of  a  kind  Providence,  we  shall 
cause  the  latter  days  of  our  parents  to  be  peaceful,  and,  by 
adding  to  their  happiness,  increase  our  own. 

I  can  truly  rejoice,  and  in  my  heart  thank  the  God  of 
our  lives  that  thou  art  so  comfortably  settled  in  the  married 

state  I  believe  that  an  unseen  Hand  pointed 

out,  that  an  invisible  Power  directed  thy  steps  in  that  im- 
portant procedure,  and  hence  arises  the  query,  What  shall 
I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  so  many  blessings?  The  answer 
is,  The  heart.  Surrender  the  heart  unto  his  keeping.  If 
this  be  complied  with,  if  He  have  the  first  place  in  both 
your  hearts,  you  will  be  brought  into  the  possession  of  all 
the  enjoyment  (worthy  of  that  name)  that  this  world  can 
afford.  Such  happiness  I  crave  for  myself,  and  I  desire  it 
for  you,  for  you  hold  a  near  place  in  my  affections. 

I  desire,  particularly,  that  we  may  be  preserved  from,  out 
of,  and  above  the  spirit  of  contention  or  strife  concerning 
Divine  things  (a  kind  of  strife  with  which  the  world  of 
mankind  is  now  filled),  so  that  in  quietness  we  shall  experi- 
ence a  being  fed,  day  by  day,  with  the  heavenly  manna, 
whereby  our  strength  will  be  renewed  and  ability  furnished 
us  to  journey  forward  toward  the  spiritual  Canaan,  the  land 
flowing  with  milk  and  honey. 

Thy  brother,  in  much  affection, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


191 


Salem,  Ohio,  Ninth  Month  1st,  1845. 

My  Dear' Wife: — Thou  will  perceive  by  the  heading  of 
my  letter  that  I  have  arrived  at  the  destined  place. 

I  am  comfortably  accommodated  at  the  house  of  Joseph 
Ingram,  whose  wife  was  a  Heacock,  and  came  from  our 
neighborhood.  Elizabeth  Haviland,  from  Poughkeepsie,  is 
lodging  here,  also  a  friend  named  Atkinson,  with  some  of 
his  family,  also  several  others.  The  house  is  full.  The 
strangers  in  attendance  at  the  Yearly  Meeting  are  Samuel 
and  Elizabeth  Comfort,  Joseph  Horner,  Sarah  Brown,  from 
Goose  Creek,  Va.,  and  a  Friend  from  Indiana. 

We  left  Pittsburg  on  Fifth-day,  and  proceeded  to  New 
Brighton,  where  we  tarried  over  night  with  a  Friend 
named  John  Pugh,  and  then  came  on  to  Columbiana,  and 
stopped  at  the  house  of  William  Nicholas.  On  Seventh- 
day  morning  we  came  to  Salem. 

Our  Select  Meeting  was  small,  reports  being  received 
from  only  three  out  of  the  live  Quarters.  Those  of  us  who 
are  strangers  here  were  dipped  into  exercise  and  sorrow  of 
spirit.  It  appears  that  they  have  not  appointed  any  elders 
for  some  time  past.  The  meeting  was  harmonious,  and  it 
closed  comfortably.  Yesterday  being  First-day,  was  the 
time  for  public  meeting.  It  was  held  in  the  new  house, 
which  was  crowded  to  excess,  and  very  many  had  to  remain 
outside.  It  pleased  the  Lord  to  open  the  mouths  of  his 
children  to  the  declaring  of  the  Ever-blessed  Word.  In  the 
forenoon  the  labor  seemed  to  devolve  chiefly  on  one  who 


192 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


felt  himself  unfitted  for  the  task.  But — to  the  praise  of 
Him  who  is  ever  worthy — ability  was  furnished  for  the 
work.  The  afternoon  session  was  as  large  as  that  in  the 
morning,  and  the  labor  was  more  divided,  several  of  the 
Lord's  devoted  servants  taking  part.  There  was  no  mani- 
festation of  unruly  spirits,  but  all  was  quiet,  and  (Truth  rose 
into  dominion. 

The  weather  is  fine.  On  Seventh-day  there  was  a  slight 
shower,  which  laid  the  dust  and  cooled  the  air,  but  they 
had  not  had  any  rain  of  consequence  since  the  early  part  of 
spring.  Except  a  small  section  of  country  among  the 
mountains,  we  found  it  very  dry  all  the  way  from  Cham- 
bersburg  to  Salem. 

Stephen  Foster  and  Abby  Kelly  are  in  the  neighborhood, 
and  it  is  expected  that  an  effort  will  be  made  by  some  of 
the  members  here  to  get  permission  for  them  to  hold  meet- 
ings in  Friends'  meeting-house,  between  the  sessions  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting.  There  is  a  warm  feeling  here  of  a  "  re- 
form" character,  but  those  of  us  who  are  strangers  all  speak 
the  same  language  in  relation  to  it,  though  very  little 
has  been  said  publicly  on  the  subject.  An  earnest  desire 
pervades  my  spirit  that  we  may  be  preserved  from  all  strife, 
and  the  hope  that  we  may  seems  to  be  strengthened  by  the 
number  of  Friends  who  appear  to  be  rightly  concerned  and 
who  feel  the  necessity  of  being  forbearing. 

Friends  are  very  kind  to  us,  and  my  way  seems  open.  I 
have  met  with  some  who  formerly  lived  in  our  neighbor- 


CORRESPONDENCE.  193 

hood,  and  they  made  many  inquiries.  Yesterday  I  met  an 
old  acquaintance  of  father's  and  mine,  who  lives  in  Alle- 
gheny City,  and  who  invited  me  to  stop  at  his  house  on  my 
return.  I  accepted  the  invitation,  and  expect  to  be  there 
next  First-day.  •  His  name  is  John  Denning.  Thee  may 
direct  thy  letter  to  Pittsburg,  as  that  and  Allegheny  are  as 
one,  being  joined  by  bridges. 

I  have  met  cousin  Richard  Roberts  and  his  sons,  who 
inquired  concerning  all  of  you. 

Divine  strength  and  consolation  have  been  meted  out  to 
me  and  have  enabled  me  to  feel  myself  comfortable  in  a 
land  of  strangers.  Desiring  the  same  for  thee  and  for  all  of 
you,  as  well  as  the  preservation  of  your  health,  with  the 
salutation  of  dear  love  to  thee  and  our  precious  child,  and 
to  all  my  brothers,  sisters,  relatives  and  friends  (for  they 
all  feel  very  near),  I  am  thy  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Salem,  O.,  Ninth  Month  4th,  1845. 
Mij  Dear  Wife: — My  heart  overflowed  with  gratitude,  and 
I  was  humbled  in  the  renewed  evidence,  furnished  by  thy 
very  acceptable  letter,  of  the  love  and  mercy  of  our  Heav- 
enly Parent.  That  thou,  with  me,  has  been  a  partaker  of 
his  rich  bounty,  and  been  fed  from  his  Heavenly  table,  is 
cause  for  increased  faithfulness  to  every  manifestation  of  his 
holy  will. 

Now,  for  a  little  account  of  how  we  have  been  proceeding. 


194  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  is — for  this  place — very  large.  They 
hold  but  one  session  daily.  On  Second-day,  after  the  pre- 
liminary business  had  been  disposed  of,  the  epistles  were 
all  read,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  essay  replies. 
Then  the  Clerk  informed  the  meeting  that  there  was,  on  the 
table,  a  communication  addressed  to  the  Yearly  Meeting, 
from  "  Green  Plain  Quarterly  Meeting  of  men  Friends," 
signed  also  by  a  number  of  women  Friends.  The  announce- 
ment called  forth  much  expression.  Several  Friends  stated 
that  there  was  no  such  Quarterly  Meeting;  others  that  the 
paper  ought  not  to  be  read.  Its  advocates,  on  the  contrary, 
claimed  that  it  should  be  read ;  that  they  wanted  to  see  the 
issue,  and  so  on.  Much  excitement  prevailed,  and  it  seemed 
to  increase,  until  at  length,  I  felt  it  to  be  my  place  to  arise 
and  make  the  proposition  that  the  matter  be  referred  to  the 
representatives  from  the  different  Quarterly  Meetings.  This 
proposition  was  favorably  received,  and  generally  united 
with,  and  the  meeting  directed  that  action  to  be  taken.  So, 
for  the  time,  the  matter  was  settled.  The  representatives 
have  not  yet  made  their  report  to  the  meeting. 

Near  the  close  of  Second-day's  session,  a  request  was  made 

that  ,  [an  Anti-Slavery  lecturer,  not  a  Friend] 

might  have  the  use  of  the  meeting-house,  between  the  ad- 
journments of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  sessions.  The  request 
was  not  granted. 

On  Third-day  morning  the  Representatives  reported  their 
nominations  for  Clerks  ;  presenting  a  new  name  for  head 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


lit:. 


Clerk,  and  retaining  the  former  assistant.  This  was  not 
satisfactory  to  the  discordant,  or  liberal  element;  but  the 
appointments  were  made  and  the  meeting  settled  down. 
The  state  of  Society  was  then  taken  up,  and  we  had  a  very 
comfortable  session  until  just  before  the  close,  when  a  Friend 
arose  and  stated  that  he  had  been  requested  to  ask  this  meet- 
ing whether  could  have  the  use  of  the  house — 

in  the  evenings,  when  not  occupied  by  Friends — to  hold 
meetings  in.  This  produced  a  warm  time,  and  my  very  soul 
was  pained  by  the  conduct  of  some  Friends,  whose  remarks 
produced  lightness  among  the  younger  portion  of  the  meet- 
ing. In  the  midst  of  this  disorder  it  seemed  to  be  my  place 
to  arise  and  call  attention  to  the  profession  that  Friends 
make  of  being  a  deliberative  people,  and  to  the  claim  that 
their  Meetings  for  Discipline  are  deliberative  bodies.  My 
exercise  seemed  to  quiet  the  raging  storm.  Samuel  Comfort 
also  labored  amongst  them,  and  the  meeting  calmed  down 

under  the  decision  not  to  grant  the  request  for  's 

meetings. 

Fourth-day,  Select  Meeting  convened  at  eight  o'clock,  A. 
M.  It  was  a  highly  favored  opportunity.  On  Fifth-day  the 
session  was  pretty  satisfactory ;  Friends  were  more  calm, 
and  the  meeting  was  brought  under  exercise  in  relation  to 
a  more  guarded  education  of  the  youth,  so  that  a  Commit- 
tee was  appointed  to  draft  an  essay  to  be  sent  down  to  the 
subordinate  meetings.  The  subject  of  slavery  was  intro- 
duced, and  a  Committee  was  appointed  to  give  attention  to 


196 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


it.  It  was  very  comforting  to  observe,  during  the  consid- 
eration of  this  subject,  that  there  was  no  agitation  in  the 
meeting;  and  I  am  encouraged  to  believe  we  shall  yet  be 
preserved.  It  would  be  sorrowfully  lamentable  if  anything 
like  a  division  should  occur,  and  I  know  that  Friends  gen- 
erally are  not  desiring  anything  of  the  kind.  There  appears 
to  be  much  freedom  and  very  little  acrimony  among  the 
members  of  this  Yearly  Meeting;  but  more  conciliation 
would  be  desirable,  and  gathering  into  quietude  is  much 
needed.  Those  of  us  who  are  strangers  among  them,  all 
breathe  the  same  language.  I  have  felt  that  I  am  in  my 
place,  and  my  earnest  desire  is  that  I  may  be  preserved  unto 
the  end. 

I  was  very  glad  to  hear  that  you  are  getting  on  so  com- 
fortably, and  that  thou  art  well.  Be  careful,  and  do  not 
over-exert  th3'self.  I  have  been  well,  except  a  slight  cold, 
which  is  now  better.  Tell  G.  that  I  am  pleased  to  learn 
that  he  has  been  so  industrious,  as  well  as  kind  and  atten- 
tive, also  all  the  rest  of  the  family.  The  blessing  of  the  Lord 
will  rest  on  them. 

My  heart  was  made  glad  on  hearing  that  our  cousin,  S. 
A.  Cernea,  passed  out  of  time  with  the  bright  promise  of 
the  spirit  land  in  view.  Tell  brother  Benjamin  that  his 
letter  was  acceptable,  and  that  his  care  for  yon  during  the 
time  of  my  absence  will  be  appreciated  by  Him  who  seeth 
in  secret,  and  rewardeth  openly. 

This  morning  we  have  public  meeting;  the  weather  is 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


197 


cloudy  with  the  appearance  of  rain.  And  now,  dearest 
wife,  hoping  that  ere  long  we  may  he  permitted  to  enjoy  the 
society  one  of  the  other,  and  he  more  fitted  to  appreciate  the 
favor  by  our  faithfulness  to  our  Master,  with  a  heart  full  of 
love  to  thee  and-  our  daughter,  also  to  sisters,  brothers,  rela- 
tives and  friends,  I  am  thy  husband,  in  much  affection, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

P.  S. — Thee  may  inform  -  father's  of  my  whereabouts. 
This  will  probably  be  my  last  letter  on  this  journey.  A 
Friend  named  Nathan  Pusey  has  offered  me  a  seat  in  his 
carriage  from  here  to  Pittsburg.  We  expect  to  reach  that 
city  next  First-day.  S.  J.  L. 

Kennett  Square,  Pa.,  Tenth  Month  7th,  1846. 

My  Dear  Wife: — Having  this  morning  a  few  minutes  to 
spare,  I  embrace  the  opportunity  for  writing  to  thee.  With 
the  exception  of  a  slight  cold  that  I  have,  we  are  quite  well. 

After  leaving  thee  we  proceeded  to  Plymouth,  met  Joel 
Lare,  obtained  a  carriage,  and  without  much  difficulty  in 
finding  our  way,  arrived  a  little  after  nightfall,  at  the  house 
of  our  friend,  I.  Howell,  where  we  were  kindly  entertained. 
Next  morning  we  proceeded  to  Westtown  Boarding  School, 
where  we  attended  meeting  to  our  satisfaction,  and  were 
kindly  treated  by  all.  After  meeting  we  journeyed  on  our 
way  till  wTe  came  to  the  home  of  a  Friend,  named  Abraham 
Darlington,  and  though  not  acquainted,  we  introduced  our- 
selves, and  were  made  very  welcome.    In  the  afternoon  we 


ins 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


passed  on  to  Centre,  and  stopped  at  the  house  of  Jesse  and 
Alice  Chandler,  the  latter  being  an  approved  minister  in  our 
Society.  In  the  morning  we  attended  Chester  Monthly 
Meeting,  which  was  not  large,  and  I  was  led  to  open  the 
necessity  for  more  labor  in  the  vineyard  of  their  own  hearts. 
We  had  a  comfortable  meeting,  and  returned  to  our  lodgings 
to  dine.  John  Chandler,  whom  we  had  met  on  First-day, 
came  here  to  meet  us,  and  to  pilot  us  to  his  house,  where  we 
tarried  over  night,  and  next  morning  went  to  the  Monthly 
Meeting,  held  at  Kennett  Square.  It  was  pretty  large,  and 
might  be  larger,  if  only  Friends  were  faithful.  Evidences  that 
love  and  unity  do  not  sufficiently  abound,  were  both  felt  and 
heard.  I  was  led  in  a  plain  way  among  them,  to  the  peace 
of  my  own  mind.  Our  friend  Joel  is  favored  to  move  along 
in  his  gift,  to  our  satisfaction,  and  to  the  people's  edification. 
We  dined  at  Jonathan  Lamborn's,  at  the  Square,  and  in  the 
evening  visited  Samuel  Martin's  school  for  young  women, 
where  we  had  a  very  satisfactory  religious  opportunity. 
From  the  school  we  came  to  the  house  of  James  Phillips 
and  wife,  a  newly  married  couple,  at  whose  home  we  now 
are,  and  are  kindly  entertained.  Thus  far  we  have  moved 
along,  and  have  found  the  hand  of  the  great  Helper  to  be  un- 
derneath, sustaining  us,  and  enabling  us  to  do  the  respective 
duties  assigned  us.  May  glory  and  honor  be  ascribed  to 
the  Lord  forever  and  forevermore. 

My  mind  often  turns  to  thee,  my  beloved  wife,  and  to  our 
little  one,  and  I  feel  anxious  to  hear  from  you,  as  you  were 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


199 


both  ailing  when  I  left  home.  I  hope  you  are  now  better, 
and  I  desire  that  the  consolation  of  Israel  may  be  thine, 
enabling  tbee  to  bear,  with  patience,  my  absence  ;  and  then, 
when  I  may  be  released,  and  permitted  to  return  to  the 
wife  of  my  bosom,  we  may  enjoy  each  other  in  that  love 
winch  is  stronger  than  death. 

In  much  affection,  thy  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Fallowfield,  Pa.,  Tenth  Month  10th,  184G. 

My  Dear  Wife: — Since  last  writing  to  thee  we  have  been 
pursuing  our  journey  among  the  Monthly  Meetings  of 
Western  Quarter,  and  this  day  closes  our  service  in  that 
line.  Many  and  various  have  been  the  baptisms  that  it  has 
been  my  lot  to  pass  through,  both  in  public  and  in  pri- 
vate opportunities,  and  this  day  have  the  arrows  been 
pointed  and  shot  at  me.  But,  dear  wife,  they  have  fallen 
harmless  at  my  feet.  To-day  I  sat  mostly  in  silence,  re- 
viving only  a  message  that  was  sent  to  me  several  years 
ago  by  my  friend,  Henry  W.  Ridgway.  It  was  that  "  a 
man  cannot  be  a  Quaker  preacher  and  an  anti-slavery  lec- 
turer." I  told  Friends  that  I  had,  in  my  own  case,  discov- 
ered its  truth  ;  that  now,  just  as  in  former  times,  a  minister 
could  not  say,  act  or  move,  only  as  he  tarried  at  Jerusalem 
until  endued  with  power  from  on  high. 

We  expect  to  attend  meeting  here  to-morrow  morning, 
and  one  at  Doe  Run  in  the  afternoon;  on  Second-day  one 


200 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


at  Oxford,  and  so  on  ;  closing  our  labors  among  the  subordi- 
nate meetings  at  TJnionville,  on  First-day,  one  week  from 
to-morrow,  and  then  at  the  Quarter  at  London  Grove  on 
Second  and  Third-days.  Gladly  would  I  now  return  unto 
my  family,  did  I  not  feel,  in  the  bonds  of  the  Gospel,  yet  re- 
strained. Great  has  been  the  weakness  that  doth  abound, 
but  the  Lord  has  been  our  shield  and  buckler,  and  still  con- 
tinues to  be  with  us.  Blessed  be  his  adorable  name.  The 
close  and  heavy  portion  of  the  labor  seems  mostly  to  de- 
volve upon  me,  though  much  unity  and  harmony  subsist 
between  us  as  fellow-laborers.  I  refer  to  Joel  and  myself. 
We  have  met  with  many  precious  Friends,  who  have  been 

very  kind  to  us.    We  passed  one  night  at  's,  I  trust, 

to  profit. 

We  are  now  at  Gideon  Peirce's,  and  this  letter  will  be 
mailed  from  Coatesville.  Letters  directed  to  me,  in  care  of 
John  Chandler,  Kennett  Square,  Penna.,  if  mailed  by  the 
middle  of  next  week  will  be  likely  to  be  received.  We  are 
all  well.    Please  give  this  information  to  Hannah  Custard. 

I  must  close,  with  much  love  to  all,  holding  a  full  share 
for  thyself.  You  have  had  fine  weather,  and  I  suppose  the 
farming  operations  are  progressing  favorably. 

In  much  affection,  thy  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


201 


Centerville,  Del.,  Tenth  Month  15th,  1846. 

My  Beloved  Wife : — I  received  thy  truly  acceptable  letter 
this  morning,  on  my  way  to  meeting,  and  was  glad  to  learn 
that  you  were  all  well  and  were  getting  along  pretty  com- 
fortably. 

We  have  been  moving  around,  and  to-day  attended  Cen- 
ter Meeting,  the  place  at  which  we  began  to  visit  the 
Monthly  Meetings.  To-morrow  we  expect  to  be  at  Ken- 
nett,  Seventh-day  at  Marlborough,  F^rst-day  at  Unionville 
in  the  morning,  and  Kennett  Square  in  the  afternoon, 
Second  and  Third-days  at  the  Quarter  at  London  Grove, 
then  Cain  ■  Quarter,  and  then  home,  home.  Should  nothing 
unexpected  occur,  we  shall  go  directly  on  from  Cain  Quar- 
ter, and  so  reach  Quakertown  on  Sixth-day,  to-morrow 
week. 

We  still  continue  to  receive  our  daily  supply  of  heavenly 
food  sufficient  for  all  our  wants ;  and  truly  we  have  much 
need  of  it,  for  I  have  never  been  on  a  journey  where  more 
of  suffering  and  exercise  were  my  portion.  But,  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  great  God !  He  has  been  sufficient  for 
every  emergency. 

We  have  been  very  busy  ever  since  we  left  home,  in 
attending  meetings  and  visiting  families.  Sometimes  we 
have  attended  two  meetings  a  day.  Friends  have  been 
very  kind  to  us,  the  weather  mostly  pleasant,  and  our 
health  continues  to  be  good. 

Last  Third-day  was  a  stormy  one,  and,  after  attending 

13 


202 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


meeting  in  the  morning,  we  drove  half  a  mile  to  a  Friend's 
house,  and  remained  there  until  the  fury  of  the  storm  had 
abated.  On  starting  out  we  found  what  havoc  the  wind 
had  made.  Trees  were  lying  across  the  road,  fences  had 
been  carried  away,  barns  unroofed,  sheds  blown  down,  &c. 

Our  meetings  have  been  large,  and  the  family  minglings 
interesting.  But,  oh,  it  has  been  deeply  trying  to  my  best 
feelings  to  find  how  the  enemy  of  souls  has  set  up  his  king- 
dom in  the  hearts  of  many,  leading  them  to  believe  that  their 
own  powers  are  sufficient  for  all  things,  their  reason  a  compe- 
tent guide.  I  fear  that  this  spirit  is  encouraged,  this  belief 
sustained  by  a  spurious  ministry.  Oh,  for  the  preservation 
of  the  flock!  I  believe  the  Lord  is  working  by  his  Spirit 
among  this  people,  and  that  some  of  them  will  be  brought 
to  see  through  all  this  mystery,  Babylon,  and  will  be 
brought  out  of  it.  We  have  met  with  some  precious  chil- 
dren, with  whom  my  heart  has  been  dipped  into  near  and 
dear  sympathy,  and  I  have  desired  their  preservation. 
I  am,  in  near  affection,  thy  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Spring  Lawn,  Eleventh  Month  4th,  1846. 
My  Dear  Friend,  T.  B.  L.: — A  short  time  previous  to 
my  leaving  home  on  a  religious  visit  to  the  meetings  com- 
posing Western  Quarter,  I  received  a  letter  from  thee 
expressing  pain  that  I  had  become  satisfied  with  the  "  anti- 
Christian  doctrines"  of   ,  as  delivered  at  our  last 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


203 


Quarterly  Meeting.  I  was  gratified  to  perceive  this  feeling 
of  care  over  me,  for  I  am  always  glad  to  be  reproved  and 
counseled  by  thee  or  by  an}'  of  my  friends,  as  I  deem  it  an 
evidence  of  their  love. 

As  regards  my  views,  tbey  have  undergone  no  change 
lately  on  any  particular  point,  and  not  any  since  our  last 
Quarter.  Nor  have  they  been  influenced  by  the  sentiments 
expressed  by  . — ,  to  whom  thou  alludes  as  having  pro- 
mulgated "  anti-Christian  doctrines." 

I  have  views,  and  the  origin  of  them  in  my  mind,  I  be- 
lieve to  have  been  from  the  light  of  Christ  in  my  soul. 
When  in  Philadelphia,  soon  after  our  last  Quarter,  I  met 
with  a  beloved  friend,  who  asked  me  what  I  thought  of 

the  discourse  of  at  the  Quarterly  Meeting  and  of  the 

views  that  he  had  advanced.  I  told  him  I  was  satisfied,  be- 
lieving there  was  nothing  new  in  them.  Now  this  is  what  I 
consider  not  new:  That  men  might  be  Christians,  or  disci- 
ples of  Christ,  and  yet  not  see  it  to  be  wrong  in,  all  cases  to  re- 
sist evil.  I  suppose  thou  would  not  be  willing  to  say  that  no 
Friend  was  a  Christian  while  the  Society  recognized  the 
propriety  of  holding  slaves  or  of  assisting  Friends  to  pur- 
chase rum  to  give  unto  their  men  during  harvest.  At  least 
I  am  not  prepared  to  pronounce  this  anathema  against  all 
the  worthies  of  that  day.  Doubtless  slavery  is  maintained 
by  the  spirit  of  violence  whose  basis  is  the  sword,  and 
Friends,  as  they  were  faithful  to  the  light  of  Truth,  were 
led  out  of  it.    But  until  they  saw  it  to  be  evil,  it  was  not 


204 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


accounted  to  thera  for  unrighteousness.  While  I  think  that 
they  had  not  arrived  at  the  perfection  of  the  Christian  char- 
acter, yet  their  fruits  showed  that  they  were  faithful  through 
persecution,  and  that  even  unto  death.  So,  as  it  is  clear  to 
my  mind,  we  have  no  right  to  judge  but  that  they  filled  up 
the  measure  of  grace  afforded  them,  and  in  the  end  sat 
down  at  the  right  hand  of  God.  As  I  am  unwilling  to 
charge  thera  with  not  being  Christians  (being  obedient  to 
what  they  knew),  so,  also,  I  am  unwilling  to  make  the 
charge  against  those  who,  equally  faithful  to  what  they 
know,  may  not  hesitate  to  defend  themselves,  their  families 
and  their  firesides. 

These  are  my  individual  views,  given  to  another  individ- 
ual. As  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  I  have  never  felt  called 
upon  to  give  publicity  to  them.  The  character  of  the 
Truth  is  to  lead  those  who  follow  it  out  of  all  strife,  oppres- 
sion and  contention,  and  into  the  experience  of  a  growth 
from  the  state  of  a  child  unto  that  of  a  young  man,  and  so 
on.  Having  by  the  love  and  mercy  of  God  seen  the  peace- 
able and  forgiving  character  of  the  Gospel,  I  feel  it  to  be 
my  duty  by  example — and  sometimes  by  precept — to  hold 
up  to  others  its  beauty  and  its  non-resistant  character.  But 
if  my  brother  knows  it  to  be  his  duty  to  give  pub- 
licity to  such  views  as  thou  alludes  to  in  thy  letter,  he  must 
be  the  judge.  When  I  am  asked  for  my  opinion  of  these 
views  in  the  abstract,  and  when  I  reply  that  I  am  satisfied, 
basing  my  satisfaction  on  the  ground  that,  to  me,  they  were 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


205 


not  new,  am  I  to  be  charged  with  falling  down  and  worship- 
ping at  his  shrine?  I  hope  to  be  preserved  from  falling  down 
at  any  man's  shrine,  or  from  worshipping  any  image  or  any 
particular  view7  or  doctrine  that  man  may  choose  to  declare 
or  set  up.  And  may  I  also  be  preserved  from  assuming  the 
judgment  seat,  thus  condemning  and  endeavoring  to  pull 
down  any  man  or  any  doctrine,  because,  in  my  child-like 
state,  I  may  not  comprehend  it.  I  know  what  I  have  to 
do,  if  I  do  right,  and  that  is  to  sit  as  at  the  feet  of  the  Mas- 
ter, there  waiting  to  hear  his  voice  and  to  know  his  mind 
and  will  concerning  me,  and,  as  it  is  made  known,  to  be 
faithful  in  doing  it.  This  faithfulness  may  require  me  to 
abide  in  silence  in  his  courts,  or  to  mingle  with  my  breth- 
ren and  invite,  encourage  and  persuade  them  to  come,  taste 
and  see.  Sometimes  ability  may  be  furnished  the  poor  in- 
strument to  remove  the  film  of  education,  superstition, 
ignorance  or  crime  that  may  cloud  the  vision  of  some  and 
prevent  them  from  seeing  the  beauty  and  the  excellency  of 
holiness. 

I  am  satisfied  that  if  the  members  of  our  Society  would 
walk  more  in  obedience  to  the  in-shinings  of  that  Light 
which  shines  in  darkness,  and  the  darkness  comprehends  it 
not,  they  would  more  and  more  become  children  of  the 
Light,  would  move  only  under  its  heavenly  influences,  be 
satisfied  with  its  teachings  and  have  more  confidence  in  its 
power.  They  would  find  it  would  furnish  the  means  for 
pulling  down  all  the  strongholds  of  sin  and  Satan  that 


206 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


abound.  I  believe  tbere  is  need  for  the  utterance  of  the 
call,  "Come  out  of  Babylon,  my  people!"  We  talk  too 
much,  we  find  fault  too  much,  seeing  others'  faults  more 
than  we  do  our  own,  and,  with  the  beam  in  our  own  eye, 
we  go  to  work  to  pull  the  mote  out  of  our  brother's  eye.  I 
would  that  we  had,  like  our  Divine  Master,  confidence  in 
the  power  of  Israel's  God.  For  if  He  had  not  had  this 
confidence,  the  mighty  works  done  through  Him  would 
never  have  taken  place.  It  is  only  as  self  is  humbled  and 
prostrated  that  we  can  have  confidence  in  Him,  and  power 
given  by  Him,  for  in  the  other  state  it  is  all  in  ourselves. 

If  thou  has  objection  to  make  against  any  of  the  views 
advanced  in  this  letter,  please  make  them  as  objections  to 

my  views,  and  not  to  those  of  ,  or  of  any  other  man. 

If  it  be  his  views  thou  does  not  like,  let  thy  objection  be 
made  to  him. 

I  have  endeavored  to  write  a  plain  letter,  expressing  to 
thee  my  views  and  feelings,  and  I  shall  willingly  receive 
from  thy  hand  whatever  thou  may  feel  right  to  give  to  me. 

With  a  salutation  of  love  to  thyself  and  family,  I  remain 
thy  friend,  Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Canandaigua,  N.  Y.,  Sixth  Month  8th,  1849. 
My  Dear  Wife: — We  arrived  at  the  house  of  our  friend, 
William  E.  Burling,  yesterday  afternoon  between  four  and 
five  o'clock,  having  travelled  four  hundred  and  eighty  miles 
in  twenty-seven  hours.    The  ride  in  the  cars  from  Troy  to 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


207 


• 

Canandaigua  was  very  dust}7 ;  the  rest  of  the  journey  com- 
fortable, and  the  sail  up  the  North  River  was  very  enjoyable, 
as  the  moon  shone  brightly  and  the  scenery  is  truly  grand. 
On  arriving  at  Amboy,  and  going  aboard  the  boat,  I  met 
our  friends,  Elisha  and  Sarah  Hunt,  accompanied  by  their 
daughter,  Matilda  Underwood,  and  had  their  company  dur- 
ing the  remainder  of  the  journey.  We  arrived  in  New 
York  between  five  and  six  p.  M.,  and  took  the  Troy  boat  at 
six.  We  had  an  hour  and  a  half  from  the  time  of  landing 
at  Troy,  until  the  cars  left  for  Canandaigua  at  six  A.  M.  I 
had  slept  well  on  the  boat,  having  a  quiet  room  to  myself — 
and  was  prepared  for  the  long  ride  of  two  hundred  and 
thirty  miles  on  the  ears.  Notwithstanding  the  dust,  we  had 
a  pleasant  time  together. 

I  feel  much  better  than  when  I  left  home.  I  trust  that 
the  Shepherd  of  Israel  may  protect  thee  and  our  little  ones, 
also  that  He  will  watch  over  me,  make  a  way  for  me,  cover 
me  with  the  mantle  of  his  love,  and  enable  me  to  return 
with  the  reward  of  peace. 

With  much  love  to  you  all,  I  am  thy  absent  husband, 

,   Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Farming-ton,  N.  Y.,  Sixth  Month  11th,  1849. 
To  William  M.  Levick. 

Dear  Brother  William  : — As  I  have  time  this  afternoon,  I 

thought  I  would  embrace  the  opportunity  to  inform  thee  of 

our  movements.    On  Fifth-clay  evening  we  arrived  safely  at 

the  house  of  William  E.  Burling,  who  took  us  to  meeting 


208  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

• 

on  Seventh-day.  We  had  an  excellent  Select  Meeting.  On 
First-day  morning  there  was  a  great  gathering  of  the  people. 
It  was  thought  two  thousand  persons  were  in  and  around 
the  house.  We  had  a  favored  meeting ;  Truth  reigned  over 
all.  In  the  afternoon  we  attended  South  Farmington,  very 
much  to  our  satisfaction.  The  stone  seemed  to  be  rolled 
away  from  the  well's  mouth,  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
poured  forth.  Elisha  and  Sarah  Hunt  were  in  company. 
This  morning  the  business  meeting  opened  very  comfortably, 
and  the  prospect  is  that  we  shall  have  a  good  Yearly  Meet- 
ing. We  have  none  of  the  disorganizers  present.  They 
held  a  meeting  last  week.  Two  of  the  speakers  who  at- 
tended it  are  still  in  this  part  of  the  country,  but  not  at 
our  meeting.  The  only  strangers  present  except  E.  and  S. 
Hunt  and  ourselves,  are  Johnathan  and  Katie  Hazzard,  from 
Cornwall,  1ST.  Y.  They  are  substantial  Friends.  Much  love 
and  unity  seem  to  prevail  among  Friends  here,  thus  strength- 
ening the  belief  that  we  shall  have  a  good  Yearly  Meeting. 

I  cannot  see  when  I  shall  get  home,  but  I  now  think  it 
will  be  as  soon  as  I  feel  clear  of  this  people.  We  have  been  * 
quite  well  since  we  left  home,  and  I  feel  much  better  than  I 
did  at  the  time  of  starting.  Friends  are  very  kind,  and  we 
are  making  our  home,  in  company  with  E.  and  S.  Hunt,  at 
Walter  Lawrence's.  This  is  a  beautiful  country,  and  Friends 
all  seem  to  be  well  off,  and  to  have  an  abundance  of  the 
outward  comforts  of  life.  On  receipt  of  this,  please  write 
to  me,  and  direct  to  Rochester,  Y. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


209 


With  much  love  to  all  of  father's  family,  and  my  dear 
daughter,  I  remain,  thy  brother  in  much  affection, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 


Farmington,  N.  Y.,  Sixth  Month  17th,  1849. 

My  Beloved  Wife: — First-day  morning,  before  meeting. 
As  a  few  moments  are  to  spare,  I  thought  it  would  be  pleas- 
ant to  hold  a  little  communion  with  thee,  with  whom  and 
toward  whom,  and  our  dear  children,  my  heart  yearns  with 
tender  affection.  It  is  more  than  a  week — yes,  ten  days — 
since  we  bade  each  other  farewell,  and  I  have  not  heard 
from  thee  since;  though  I  hope  to  receive  a  letter  at  meet- 
ing, this  morning. 

We  have  both  been  very  well,  and  our  Divine  Master  has 
been  with  us,  to  our  humbling  admiration.  The  Yearly 
Meeting  closed  last  Fifth-day,  and  throughout  the  several 
sittings  nothing  but  love  and  unity  marked  the  proceedings. 
May  gratitude  be  ascribed  to  Him  from  whom  all  bless- 
ings flow.  On  Fourth-day  afternoon  we  attended  Maceclon 
Meeting,  which  was  a  remarkably  favored  opportunity. 
The  Gospel  flowed  freely,  I  trust  to  the  watering  of  many 
minds.  The  Lord  has  been  wonderfully  pleased  to  be  with 
me,  and  to  turn  the  hearts  of  the  people  toward  me,  in  that 
many  have  been  reached.  There  seems  to  be  a  door  open 
for  the  Holy  Word,  and  my  soul  has  been  bowed  in  pros- 
tration before  his  power.    After  meeting  I  went  home  with 


210 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Seth  W.  Bosworth,  where  I  met  with  many  precious  Friends. 
It  did  my  heart  good  to  mingle  with  this  family,  and  with 
their  visitors.  Among  the  latter  were  a  number  of  Cana- 
dian Friends  with  whom  I  have  been  joined  as  was  the  soul 
of  David  knit  to  that  of  Jonathan.  Oh,  how  precious  it  was 
to  be  together,  and  how  hard  to  part !  We  were  drawn 
near  together,  and  thee  and  our  little  ones  were  felt  to  be 
very  near  in  a  season  of  supplication  before  Him  who  con- 
descended to  bless  us.  "We  have  been  made  to  feel  that  we 
are  in  our  places  at  this  time. 

This  morning  we  go  again  to  Farmington  Meeting,  which 
will  make  the  third  time  that  I  have  attended  a  public  meet- 
ing in  that  house.  I  had  hoped  I  could  have  passed  away 
after  the  meeting  last  Fourth-day,  but  I  am  not  permitted 
so  to  do.  On  Sixth-day  we  attended  Williamson  Meeting, 
which  was  a  season  of  deep  and  trying  labor.    This  is  the 

neighborhood  in  which    lives ;  and  after  meeting  I 

was  informed  that  he  was  present.  Oh  !  it  was  a  very  plain 
time,  and  my  heart  was  dipped  into  great  tribulation  ;  noth- 
ing but  barrenness  and  dryness  spread  itself  over  us. 

Last  evening,  attended  a  meeting  at  Palmyra — but  more 
when  I  get  home,  as  I  must  now  go  to  meeting.  This  af- 
ternoon we  are  to  go  to  Rochester,  where  a  meeting  has 
been  appointed  at  six  o'clock.  To  morrow  there  are  to  be 
meetings  at  Wheatland  and  Mendon,  and  on  Third-day  one 
at  Canandaigua.  Thence  we  go  to  Waterloo  and  Scipio, 
and  from  the  latter  place  start  for  home,  hoping  to  be  with 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


211 


you  the  last  of  the  week.  So,  with  much  love  to  thee  and 
our  dear  ones,  I  remain, 

Thy  aft'ectionate  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Rochester,  Second-day  morning.  Received  thy  letter  yes- 
terday. Pleased  to  learn  that  you  are  well.  Took  tea  last 
evening  with  cousins  William  and  Mary  Hallowell.  They 
were  well  and  very  kind.    We  are  well. 

Philad'a,  Seventh  Month  2nd,  1849. 

My  Beloved  Wife : — It  was  pleasant  to  hear,  through 
mother,  on  Seventh-day  evening,  that  you  were  all  well. 
Health  is  a  great  temporal  blessing,  and  to  keep  it  we  see 
that  many  endeavors  are  made  Fear  seizes  hold  of  the 
strong  man  when  any  little  disturbance  gives  evidence  that 
something  is  out  of  order.  Physicians  are  applied  to,  and 
their  nostrums  are  swallowed;  much  money  heing  expended 
to  make  whole  that  which  is  halt.  It  is  true  health  is  a 
great  blessing;  and  we  might  reasonably  hope  to  preserve 
it,  if  we  would  only  let  our  moderation  appear  in  all  things. 
I  trust  that  care  which  is  requisite  will  be  extended  by  thee 
over  thyself,  and  our  little  ones,  as  well  as  over  D. 

We  have  the  cholera,  here  in  the  city,  as  much  as  at  any 
previous  period  this  season  ;  but  it  seems  to  be  confined 
mostly — though  not  wholly — to  the  low  and  intemperate. 
In  Camden  some  cases  have  occurred  among  our  friends. 


212 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Mary  Browning's  sister  died  of  it  last  week,  and  Deborah 
Lippincott  and  Kezia  Cole  have  had  it.  I  attended  Camden 
Meeting  on  Fifth-day,  and  again  yesterday,  when  I  went 
home  with  William  Folwell  and  passed  the  remainder  of  the 
day.    My  own  health  is  good,  and  I  desire  its  preservation. 

Speaking  of  health,  there  is  a  health  which  is  of  more 
value  than  that  of  the  body ;  even  that  health  which  was 
referred  to  when  the  language  was  addressed,  "  art  thou  in 
health,  my  brother?1'  Alluding  to  the  health  of  the  soul, 
the  immortal  part.  It  is  of  great  value  to  feel  and  know- 
that  we  are  well ;  that  all  is  well.  To  know  our  peace  to  be 
made  with  our  Heavenly  Father,  and  with  all  mankind,  is 
more  to  be  desired  than  corn,  oil  or  wine.  To  feel  this  health 
is  worth  more  than  the  possession  of  worlds,  for  worlds  could 
not  purchase  it.  Adorable  be  the  name  of  my  Heavenly 
Father,  it  has  been  my  privilege  so  to  feel  since  my  return, 
and  my  heart  has  been  made  glad  in  the  belief  that  my 
name  is  written  in  the  "  Lamb's  Book  of  Life."  Oh  !  what 
is  it  not  worth  to  feel  this  trust  ?  What  sacrifice  is  too 
great,  what  toil  too  much,  what  privations  ought  we  not 
willingly  to  endure,  that  we  may  feel  and  have  the  evidence 
that  we  are  children  of  our  Father  in  Heaven.  Here  then 
we  may  say,  Come  life  or  death,  come  riches  or  poverty, 
come  prosperity  or  adversity — having  an  anchor  to  the  soul 
both  sure  and  steadfast,  we  shall  know  peace  and  resigna- 
tion, enjoyment  and  love  to  cover  our  minds.  That  we  may 
unitedly  be  partakers  of  this  pure  feeling,  this  Heavenly 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


213 


love;  that  it  may  be  our  concern  to  be  filled  with  that  which 
will  make  us  fruitful  in  the  field  of  offering,  and  joyful  in 
the  house  of  prayer,  is  the  earnest  desire  of  my  soul.  As  we 
walk  in  the  light  of  the  Love  of  God,  and  keep  his  com- 
mandments, we- shall  come  to  know  an  enlargement  of  this 
love,  and  an  increase  of  strength  to  resist  the  temptations 
that  surround  us. 

With  love  to  thee,  to  our  dear  ones,  to  grandfather,  to 
cousin  Ellen  Hallowell,  and  to  all  the  rest,  I  am,  in  the 
bonds  of  true  affection,  thy  husband, 

t  Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Philada.,  Pa.,  Seventh  Month  26th,  1849. 

TO  . 

Esteemed  Friend: — Thy  interesting  and  acceptable  letter 
came  to  hand  this  evening.  I  perceive  by  the  heading  that 
thou  art  in  Dutchess  County,  and  I  am  glad  that  thou  art 
there,  for  I  thought  thy  pallid  cheek  needed  the  invigorating 
influence  of  country  air  to  renew  it  to  its  wonted  hue. 
There  is,  too,  in  the  quiet  retirement  of  the  country,  that 
which  is  congenial  to  a  mind  seeking  Truth.  In  the  dark 
solitudes  of  the  forest,  when  shut  out  from  the  hum  of  busy 
life,  and  from  the  excitement  that  surrounds  us  in  the  city 
— when  naught  is  to  be  heard  but  the  rustling  of  the  branches 
stirred  by  the  breeze,  or  the  happy  and  melodious  notes  of 
the  warbler,  or  the  lively  chirping  of  the  squirrel — we  see 
and  feel  in  everything  around  us,  that  one  great  Power  made 
us  all. 


214 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


As  we  are  thus  turned  to  look  to  Him  we  love,  and  as 
the  heart  is  poured  forth  in  true  devotion,  it  will  breathe 
the  language, "  Holy  Father,  make  me  as  thou  wouldst  have 
me  to  be."  Then  do  we  feel  that  we  have  been  brought  by 
the  power  of  his  love  into  a  state  of  willingness  to  be  formed 
by  his  Holy  Hand  ;  that  we  have  given  up  our  wills  to  the 
direction  of  his  pure  Spirit.  Amid  forest  surroundings, 
seated  on  a  fallen  tree,  I  have  passed  hours  of  joy,  and  have 
shed  tears  of  gratitude,  for  the  seasons  of  Heavenly  love  and 
favor  which  I  have  been  permitted  to  enjoy.  At  such  times, 
when  my  heart  has  been  filled  with  love,and#my  sympathies 
have  gone  out  to  the  whole  human  family,  I  have  looked  on 
mankind  and  beheld  inconsistencies  and  diversities  of  belief 
— the  same  which  have  cast  a  disheartening  influence  over  thy 
mind — which,  at  that  stage  of  my  experience,  I  was  unable 
to  understand.  But  I  soon  found  that  if  I  M  as  willingly 
obedient,  standing  ready  to  do  that  which  was  opened  to 
my  view,  and  made  plain — even  if  it  was  to  be  still,  and  not 
do  anything,  or  to  withdraw  from  that  in  which  I  had  been 
engaged,  and  which  had  seemed  right  at  the  time — a  cover- 
ing of  peace  and  joy  would  come  as  a  mantle  over  my  spirit. 

The  most  important  duty  to  be  performed,  the  most  val- 
uable lesson  to  be  learned,  is  to  be  still;  that  is  to  know  a 
quieting  of  the  active  reasoning  power  of  the  human  mind. 
"  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God,"  was  an  injunction 
given  to  a  people  in  a  former  day.  It  is  only  as  we  become 
still  that  we  can  know  the  Truth,  or  can  approach  our  Heav- 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


215 


enly  Father.  What  I  mean  by  ice  is  the  natural  man;  our 
own  reasonings  and  deductions  can  never  give  us  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  Truth ;  and  while  we  seek  to  arrive  at  it  through 
this  medium  we  shall  ever  fail  to  attain.  This  is  the  cause 
of  such  a  diversity  of  opinion  among  men,  as  to  "  what  is 
Truth."  One  man,  by  his  powers  of  mind,  by  reading,  etc., 
draws  one  conclusion,  another  man  another  conclusion,  and 
a  third  still  a  different  one  ;  yet  they  all  claim  to  be  in  the 
Truth,  all  think  they  have  the  Truth  ;  they  are  even  ready 
to  make  sacrifices  for  the  Truth  as  they  view  it. 

A  true  knowledge  of  God  is  not  to  be  attained  by  the 
natural  man.  He  can,  by  his  reasoning  powers,  draw  cor- 
rect conclusions  concerning  natural  things;  indeed,  these 
powers  have  been  given  him  by  the  Creator  for  this  very  pur- 
pose ;  to  supply  his  wants,  and  to  place  him  above  the  brute 
creation ;  but  they  will  never  enable  him  to  arrive  at  a 
knowledge  of  the  Truth.  In  order  to  attain  this  he  must 
experience  another  birth;  not  a  natural,  but  a  spiritural  one, 
effected  by  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  that  (in  man)  which  is  pure 
and  passive  to  its  power.  Man  must  know  a  willingness  to 
be  given  up  entirely  into  the  hands  of  his  Heavenly  Father. 
If  this  Power  is  allowed  to  operate,  the  result  is  the  birth  of 
the  immortal  life,  the  child  of  God,  that  which  can  know  the 
Truth,  and  which  can  enter  into  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven. 
This  child  does  not  depend  on  reason,  nor  does  it  reason  con- 
cerning the  things  of  God.  The  food  of  this  child  is  the 
bread  of  life,  which  is  dispensed  by  its  Creator,  and  which 


21 G 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


conies  from  Heaven.  Its  teacher  is  Christ,  and  in  his  school 
it  progresses  from  lesson  to  lesson,  until  its  comes  to  know 
(not  merely  to  believe,  but  to  know)  what  Truth  is. 

All  who  have  been  thus  begotten,  thus  nourished,  and 
thus  taught,  know  one  another,  and  speak  the  same  language, 
according  to  their  growth  from  a  child  upward. 

I  am  thy  sympathizing  friend, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Eighth  Month  7th,  1849. 

My  Beloved  Wife: — Yesterday  afternoon  I  attended  the 
funeral  of  our  esteemed  friend,  Matilda  Underwood  [daugh- 
ter of  Sarah  Hunt],  that  dear  young  woman  who  was  with 
her  father  and  mother  and  ourselves  in  our  visit  to  Genesee. 
I  had  not  known  of  her  illness,  nor  did  I  hear  of  her  death 
until  one  o'clock  yesterday,  and  the  funeral  was  to  meet  at 
three.  I  procured  a  horse  and  sulky,  and  by  much  exer- 
tion arrived  there  about  half  an  hour  late.  It  was  a  solemn 
season  ;  a  trial  to  me  to  part  with  one  in  the  morning  of  her 
day,  and  one  whom  I  highly  esteemed.  Her  dear  mother 
and  sister,  also  her  father  [Elisha  Hunt]  bore  up  in  a  won- 
derful manner.  Her  mother  told  me  that  it  was  a  Heavenly 
precious  time,  that  she  had  a  clear  view  that  all  was  well 
with  the  departed.  Great,  indeed,  is  the  trial  but  who  could 
ask  to  have  her  back  again.  I  felt  glad  that  I  had  the  op- 
portunity of  being  present,  for  it  was  a  favored,  solemn 
season.    Her  disease  was  remittent,  running  into  congestive 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


217 


fever.  She  was  ill  only  nine  days.  Thus  was  a  bright 
flower  plucked  in  all  its  bloom ;  yet  she  lives  where  her 
beauty  and  loveliness  can  never  fade. 

Hoping  to  hear  from  thee  soon,  with  a  heart  full  of  love 
to  thee  and  our- dear  little  ones,  and  to  all  inquiring  friends, 
I  am,  in  much  affection,  thy  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Parkesburg,  Penna.,  Tenth  Month  24th,  1850. 

My  Dearly  Beloved  Wife : — I  am  here  waiting  for  dinner, 
in  company  with  William  E.  Bailey  and  wife,  on  our  way 
from  Cain  Quarter,  held  at  Sadsbury.  It  has  been  a  day  of 
close  dealing,  but,  blessed  be  God,  his  power  carried  me 
over  all,  to  the  declaring  of  his  great  word  of  life  and  salva- 
tion, to  the  solemnizing  of  many  minds. 

I  feel — if  it  were  consistent  with  the  Divine  will- — how 
gladly  would  I  come  to  you  this  evening,  instead  of  sending 
this  messenger ;  but  the  Lord  ordereth  otherwise ;  and  I  am 
bound  for  his  cause,  and  the  precious  testimony  of  Truth. 

I  am  on  my  way  back  to  London  Grove,  and  the  prospect 
is  to  attend  meeting  at  Kennett  Square  on  First-day,  and  to 
be  at  home  on  Second-day  if  the  Lord  will. 

I  am,  and  have  been,  very  well.  I  arrived  at  West  Ches- 
ter about  six  o'clock,  and  chose  the  Mansion  House  for  my 
place  of  entertainment  while  in  that  town.  In  the  morning 
I  attended  meeting,  and  after  dinner  started  for  William  E. 
Bailey's.    The  distance  is  about  fourteen  miles,  and  I  had  a 

14 


218 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


ride  of  one  mile,  thus  making  a  walk  of  thirteen  miles.  I 
was  not  much  fatigued,  and  slept  well.  I  have  been  taken 
care  of. 

I  remain  in  the  bonds  of  near  aftection,  thy  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Wheeling,  W.  Va.,  Eighth  Month  21st,  1866. 

My  Dear  Wife: — After  a  refreshing  night's  sleep,  I  sit  down 
to  inform  thee  of  my  whereabouts.  I  arrived  here  last  even- 
ing after  a  very  pleasant  day's  ride.  I  had  good  company 
all  the  way.  On  the  cars,  met  Edward  Parrish,  who  was 
on  his  way  to  Detroit  to  attend  a  pharmaceutical  convention, 
also  the  wife  of  Edward  Walton,  who  was  going  to  New 
Brighton  to  visit  her  mother.  I  had  her  company  as  far  as 
Pittsburg,  and  Edward's  to  Wellsville.  At  Pittsburg  I  met 
Elida  John,  with  wife,  daughters  and  niece,  bound  for  Ster- 
ling, 111.  When  we  left  Pittsburg,  the  heavy,  leaden  clouds 
portended  rain  ;  and  soon  it  began  to  fall,  and  continued  for 
some  time ;  but  at  length  the  clouds  dispersed,  the  sun  shone 
out,  and  beamed  brightly  on  the  placid  waters  of  the  Ohio, 
along  whose  banks  we  were  whirled  at  a  rapid  rate  of  speed. 

The  crops  look  fine,  and  the  green  apple  orchards  bend- 
ing and  breaking  under  their  loads  of  fruit,  were  beautiful 
to  behold- 

I  discovered  that  the  cars  did  not  make  any  connection 
from  Bellaire  last  evening,  but  I  found,  on  the  train,  a  man 
who  kindly  put  me  in  the  way  to  reach  my  destination 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


2J9 


without  any  difficulty.  He  advised  me  to  go  to  Wheeling, 
remain  there  over  night,  and  in  the  morning  take  the  stage, 
which  goes  directly  past  Joseph  Mead's  house.  I  gladly 
followed  his  advice,  and  now  I  am  here,  stopping  at  the 
Grant  House. 

I  have  been  called  to  breakfast,  my  trunk  must  be  ready, 
and  the  stage  is  to  start  in  an  hour  from  this  time. 

With  much  love  to  all  my  friends,  thy  affectionate  hus- 
band, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 
Mt.  Pleasant,  Ohio,  Eighth  Month  29th,  1866. 

To  Jane  F.  Levick. 

My  Dear  Daughter : — It  is  now  more  than  a  week  since 
I  left  my  home,  with  its  dear  ones,  the  thoughts  of  whom 
fill  my  heart,  and  my  secret  prayers  often  arise  to  my  Heav- 
enly Father,  that  preservation  maybe  extended  unto  you  all. 

Two  sessions  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  have  been  held,  and 
now  (Fourth-day  morning)  we  are  to  have  a  meeting  for 
worship.  Since  I  wrote  to  you  at  Lloydsville,  I  have  had  a 
very  interesting  time  among  Friends  and  others.  On  Sixth- 
day  evening  last  I  attended  an  appointed  meeting  in  the 
Methodist  Meeting-house,  at  St.  Clairsville.  It  was  a  sea- 
son of  Divine  favor,  such  as  it  has  not  often  been  my  lot  to 
experience.  The  people  appeared  very  tender,  and  express- 
ed a  desire  that  my  lot  might  be  cast  among  them  again. 

While  in  St.  Clairsville  we  were  entertained  at  the  home 


220 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


of  Jane  Edgerton,  who  is  a  relative  of  brother  John  C.  Les- 
ter's, being  the  daughter  of  Issaehar  Foulke,  who  removed 
to  Ohio,  from  Richland,  many  years  ago.  When  I  went  to 
her  house  I  did  not  know  of  this  relationship. 

On  Seventh-day  morning,  Benjamin  Tomlinson  and  my- 
self left  St.  Clairsville,  on  horseback ;  the  horses  having 
been  provided  for  us  by  Samuel  Tomlinson,  the  Friend  at 
whose  house  we  are  now  stopping.  The  distance  was  over 
ten  miles,  and  the  road  such  a  one  as  thou  never  saw.  The 
hills  very,  very  steep,  and  the  great  rain  that  occurred  a  few 
weeks  ago  has  made  them  almost  impassable  for  equestrians. 
We  got  through  safely,  however,  and  arrived  at  Mt.  Pleasant 
in  time  to  attend  the  Select  Yearly  Meeting.  A  small  one 
it  was;  and  to  me  a  very  trying  one.  I  obtained  very  little 
relief  from  expression — a  great  contrast  with  the  meeting 
held  the  evening  before.  Returned  to  S.  T.'s,  and  on  First- 
day  morning  attended  a  large  meeting  in  the  old  meeting- 
house at  Mt.  Pleasant,  where  formerly  had  stood  many  of 
the  noted  ones  among  Friends,  but  now  they  are  gone.  In 
the  afternoon  had  an  appointed  meeting  for  Friends  and 
others;  and  the  invitation  was  extended  to  "Orthodox" 
Friends,  some  of  whom  were  in  attendance.  Of  this  num- 
ber was  Caroline  E.  Talbot,  who  spoke  most  interestingly. 
She  is  a  dear  Friend,  and  so  sweet-spirited.  She  wanted  to 
take  me  home  with  her,  but  I  did  not  go  then. 

We  have,  at  Yearly  Meeting,  the  company  of  Bennet  S. 
Walters  and  Nathan  Thomas,  from  Iowa ;  Rebecca  John 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


221 


and  Chas.  Teas  and  wife,  from  our  own  Yearly  Meeting, 
and  several  other  Friends.  The  burden  of  the  word  has 
rested  principally  on  myself  in  the  public  meetings,  which 
have  been  comfortable.  Last  evening  I  had  an  appointed 
meeting  about  two  miles  from  my  lodgings,  at  a  place  called 
Berg,  or  Hole  in  the  Ground.  The  company  was  an  inter- 
esting one,  and  the  Word  flowed  freely  toward  them.  We 
were  baptized  deeply  together,  and  the  meeting  closed 
under  a  solemn  feeling. 

I  often  experience  a  deep  sense  of  outward  loneliness,  and 
at  times  feel  almost  discouraged  by  the  prospect  of  the  work 
that  is  before  me. 

Write  to  me  at  Barnesville,  Belmont  Co.,  Ohio;  after  that 
at  Columbus,  and  still  later  at  Springfield.  I  have  not  yet 
heard  from  you.  I  am  getting  along  right  well  as  to  the 
body. 

With  a  great  deal  of  love,  thy  father,  affectionately, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 


Rochester,  Penna.,  Ninth  Month  1st,  186G. 

To  Lewis  J.  Levick. 

My  Dear  Son : — We  arrived  here  safely,  and  have  to  wait 
for  the  cars  to  take  us  to  New  Brighton,  where  a  meeting 
has  been  appointed,  at  my  request,  for  this  afternoon.  We 
left  Wheeling,  Va.,  this  morning,  having  had  a  meeting 
there  last  evening  in  a  Presbyterian  house  of  worship.  I 


222 


LIFE    OP    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


expect  to  be  at  Salem,  0.,  to-morrow,  attending  the  meeting 
there  in  the  forenoon,  and  I  am  looking  to  see  whether  way 
will  open  for  a  meeting  at  Damascus  in  the  evening.  This 
is  where  those  Friends  called  "  Gurneyitee  "  are  to  hold 
their  Yearly  Meeting  next  week. 

Thy  letter  was  received,  and  its  interesting  contents 
noted.  It  is  the  only  letter  I  have  had  from  home.  I  was 
very  glad  to  hear  that  you  were  all  well,  and  getting  on  so 
satisfactorily.  I  am  not  feeling  very  brisk  this  morning, 
having  taken  some  cold,  but  I  think  I  shall  be  better  this 
evening.  The  Yearly  Meeting  closed  on  Fifth-day  after- 
noon, in  a  very  solemn  manner,  and  in  the  evening  I  had 
an  appointed  meeting  at  Harrisville,  and  yesterday  morning 
one  at  Farmington,  on  the  way  to  Wheeling.  As  thou  sees, 
my  face  is  now  turned  homeward,  and  if  I  could  I  would 
come.  Oh,  I  have  had  the  Divine  Arm  around  me,  and 
his'  presence  has  been  the  crown  and  diadem  of  all  our 
meetings !  Friends  are  very  kind,  and  I  have  not  wanted 
for  way  to  attend  to  all  my  duties,  yet  I  often  feel  a  deep 
sense  of  loneliness.  I  hardly  think  I  shall  go  to  Zanesville, 
but  if  I  feel  better  I  may  go  by  way  of  Springfield,  and  rest 
there  a  day  or  two.  Benjamin  Tomlinson  is  with  me,  and 
he  is  a  very  kind  and  attentive  companion.  If  I  go  on,  I 
think  he  will  accompany  me.  I  am  writing  on  my  carpet- 
bag, in  the  station  .... 

My  dear  wife,  my  heart  salutes  thee  in  dear  love.  The 
Lord  has  caused  my  cup  to  run  over,  and  I  feel  that  I  must 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


223 


stand  resigned  to  his  will ;  for  I  well  know  that  if  I  should 
consult  my  own  feelings  I  should  soon  be  at  home. 
With  a  heart  overflowing  with  love  to  you  all. 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Damascus,  O.,  Ninth  Month  3rd,  1866. 

My  Dear  Wife : — Thinking  from  the  character  of  the  letter 
that  I  wrote  to  thee  and  Lewis,  when  I  was  at  the  Rochester 
depot  on  Seventh-day,  that  you  would  be  anxious  to  hear 
from  me,  I  sit  down  this  morning  to  give  thee  fresh  tidings. 
"We  are  now  at  the  house  of  our  friend,  the  widow  Bruff, 
where  father  and  I  stopped  twenty-six  years  ago,  and  where 
he  came  near  being  seriously  injured  by  a  heifer.  Thou 
has  heard  me  speak  of  the  occurrence. 

When  I  wrote  on  Seventh-day,  I  was  not  feeling  very 
well,  but  on  arriving  at  New  Brighton  we  went  to  Thornton 
Walton's,  where  a  .good  repast  and  a  comfortable  nap  so 
refreshed  me  that  I  attended  the  meeting  appointed  to  con- 
vene at  half-past  one  o'clock.  Thornton's  wife  was  a  school- 
mate of  thine  at  Martha  Hampton's  at  Buckingham.  Her 
name  was  Bean. 

Leaving  New  Brighton  about  half-past  three  o'clock,  we 
arrived  at  Salem  about  half-past  five,  and  went  to  John 
Satterthwaite's,  where  we  remained  over  night.  On  First- 
day  morning  attended  Salem  Meeting,  and  in  the  afternoon 
were  brought  to  this  place  by  Barton  Heacock,  son  of 
Nathan  Heacock,  who  was  once  at  our  house.   I  had  rather 


224 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


looked  toward  having  a  meeting  here,  but  way  does  not 
seem  to  open  for  it,  at  this  time.  I  am  here  mingling  with 
those  Friends  called  "  Gurneyites  "  who  have  come  here  to 
hold  their  Yearly  Meeting.  A  large  number  of  ministers 
are  in  attendance.  Last  evening  was  passed  very  pleasantly 
with  these  Friends,  and  in  answer  to  inquiries  made,  I  had 
the  opportunity  of  opening  out  many  views,  and  perhaps  of 
dissipating  some  prejudice.  The  evening  closed  very  com- 
fortably, and  I  had  a  pretty  good  night.  I  seem  to  be  im- 
proving in  health,  and  feel  quite  comfortable  this  morning. 
I  remain  thy  dearly  attached  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Near  Alliance,  Ohio,  Ninth  Month  4th,  1866. 

To  Charles  M.  Levick. 

My  Dear  Son  Charles: — Having  yesterday,  at  Damascus, 
written  a  letter  to  thy  dear  mother,  and  now  thinking  that 
it  will  be  pleasant  to  thee  to  have  a  letter  from  me,  I  sit  down 
to  write. 

I  feel  my  heart  drawn  toward  you  all  in  great  nearness, 
and  I  doubt  not  that  thou  and  all  the  rest  are  doing  what 
you  can  to  make  your  dear  mother  comfortable ;  also  that 
you  are  attending  to  business,  so  that  we  may  have  some- 
thing provided  for  the  support  of  these  poor  bodies. 

I  have,  until  now,  been  traveling  through  a  beautiful  and 
fertile  country,  but  a  very  hilly  one.  Here  the  surface  and 
soil  remind  me  of  our  own  neighborhood.     The  corn 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


225 


crop  is  very  good,  and  the  people  are  abundantly  blessed 
with  enough  to  eat ;  but,  as  is  too  much  the  case  in  our  sec- 
tion, they  are  careless  about  the  one  thing  needful.  I  never 
traveled  so  much  through  a  farming  country,  and  saw  so 
little  going  on  in  the  earth  ;  so  little  work.  True,  it  is  a 
wool-producing  district,  and  I  have  seen  thousands  of  sheep 
climbing  the  hills,  and  grazing  in  the  rich,  green  pastures. 
Farming  land  here  is  almost  as  high-priced  as  it  is  with  us. 

Tell  thy  sister  and  thy  brother  Lewis  that  I  am  in  the 
neighborhood  where  R.  P.  lived  and  died. 

I  left  Damascus  yesterday  morning,  having  there  met  with 
a  number  of  agreeable  Friends,  and  among  them  two  from 
Maine,  who  were  the  parents  of  one  of  Lewis's  college-mates, 
who  died  last  fall.  His  mother  gave  me  his  photograph  for 
Lewis,  and  I  enclose  it  in  this  letter. 

My  friends,  Joseph  S.  Hartley  and  Benjamin  Tomlinson, 
have  gone  to  Alliance  this  morning  to  ascertain  whether 
they  can  obtain  a  suitable  place  for  a  meeting  this  evening, 
and  if  they  succeed  in  finding  one,  they  will  appoint  or  give 
notice  of  the  meeting,  and  we  shall  go  there  from  this  place. 
The  distance  is  about  three  and  a-half  miles.  I  have  some 
prospect  of  stopping,  this  afternoon,  at  a  large  school  for 
both  sexes,  which  is  in  this  neighborhood. 

Tell  thy  mother  I  met  with  Caroline  E.  Talbot  yesterday, 
and  she  told  me  that  she  had  written  to  her.  I  was  very 
glad  to  learn  this,  for  if  her  letter  did  mother  as  much  good 
as  what  she  said  did  me,  I  know  it  must  have  been  good  to 
receive  it.    She  is  an  unassuming,  delicate  little  woman. 


226 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Under  the  pleasant  atmospheric  influences  around  me,  I 
feel  right  well  this  morning,  and  have  concluded  to  defer 
my  visit  to  cousin  John  Thomas's  at  Springfield,  and  to  go 
forward  to  Chicago,  and  thence  to  West  Liberty,  Iowa. 
Prairie  Grove  Quarterly  Meeting  is  to  be  held  near  West 
Liberty,  next  Seventh,  First  and  Second-days.  I  shall  pro- 
bably remain  in  Iowa  a  week  or  ten  days,  and  then  go 
directly  to  Richmond,  Ind.,  stopping  only  at  Fall  Creek  on 
my  way. 

I  think  you  may  venture  to  send  a  letter  to  me  at  West 
Liberty,  and  another  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa.  I  shall  write 
to  John  Thomas,  recpiesting  him  to  forward  my  letters,  also 
to  the  Postmaster  at  Columbus,  Ohio. 

I  am  affectionately,  thy  father, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Chicago,  111.,  Ninth  Month  7th,  1866. 

To  Samuel  J.  Levick,  Jr. 

My  Dear  Son  Samuel: — This  morning  finds  me  in  the 
metropolis  of  the  West,  having  arrived  here  last  evening 
near  ten  o'clock.  We  came  from  Alliance,  Ohio,  in  about 
sixteen  hours. 

When  I  wrote  to  thy  brother  Charles  I  spoke  of  my 
friends  having  gone  to  Mt.  Union  to  make  arrangements 
for  a  meeting.  It  was  appointed  at  the  Methodist  Meeting- 
house, and  a  very  interesting  occasion  it  proved  to  be.  It 
was  attended  by  hundreds  of  young  men  and  young  women 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


227 


who  are  students  at  the  college;  and  these,  together  with 
the  inhabitants  of  the  village,  made  a  very  large  gathering. 
Gospel  truths  were  poured  out  freely,  and  to  many  it  was  a 
season  that  I  think  will  not  soon  be  forgotten. 

The  next  day  we  returned  to  Joseph  Hartley's  and  at- 
tended the  little  meeting  called  Cope's  Run.  In  the  evening 
went  to  Alliance  where  a  meeting  had  been  appointed  for 
us,  in  the  Methodist  place  of  worship.  It  was  a  good-sized 
company  of  people,  who  were  evidently  strangers  to  our 
manner  of  worshipping  in  silence,  so  I  introduced  myself  by 
reading  my  certificate,  which  appeared  to  be  satisfactory. 
After  a  time  of  silence  I  found  my  way  open  to  unfold  unto 
them  the  Gospel  of  life  and  salvation,  showing  the  necessity 
of  coming  to  Christ,  and  drawing  water  from  the  wells  of 
salvation.  It  proved  to  be  a  favored  time ;  oh !  may  the 
glory  be  ascribed  unto  our  Heavenly  Father  to  whom  alone 
it  is  due.  It  is  no  slight  trial,  my  son,  to  appear  before 
hundreds  of  strangers,  all  watching  to  see  what  can  be  found 
fault  with. 

We  had  a  pleasant  ride,  yesterday,  through  Ohio  and  In- 
diana, and  this  morning  at  nine  o'clock  we  start  for  Daven- 
port, Iowa ;  we  are  due  there  at  half-past  five  o'clock  this 
afternoon.  To-morrow  morning  we  expect  to  go  to  West 
Liberty,  near  which  place  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Prairie 
Grove  is  to  be  held  on  to-morrow  and  the  two  following 
days — Seventh,  First  and  Second-days. 

I  am  with  much  affection,  thy  father, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 


228 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Burlington,  Iowa,  Ninth  Month  17th,  1866. 

My  Dear  Wife: — A  few  hours  ago,  I  wrote,  with  a  pencil, 
some  lines,  informing  thee  that  we  were  about  to  depart 
from  the  State  of  Iowa.  That  note  was  written  at  Mt. 
Pleasant,  and  now  we  are  here  waiting  for  the  train  which 
is  to  take  us  to  Chicago,  at  which  city  we  expect  to  arrive 
in  the  morning.  We  are  looking  forward  to  having  a  meet- 
ing appointed  there  to-morrow  evening,  if  way  should  open 
for  it.  From  Chicago  we  purpose  going  to  Indianapolis, 
and  thence  to  Richmond. 

Last  Third-day  afternoon,  under  the  care  of  Abner  Pope, 
who  resides  near  West  Liberty,  we  proceeded  to  Atalissa 
and  attended  a  meeting,  appointed  for  us,  in  the  Presby- 
terian Meeting  House.  The  gathering  was  not  large,  but 
the  meeting  proved  to  be  very  satisfactory.  Returned  to  A. 
Pope's  to  lodge,  and  in  the  morning  (having  sent  word 
before,  and  having  the  way  made  open),  we  went  to  Spring- 
dale  Meeting  of  "  Gurney  Friends" — so  called  here  —  in 
company  with  Nathan  Macy,  one  of  their  members,  at  whose 
house  we  stopped  on  our  way  to  the  meeting.  Friends  re- 
ceived us  kindly,  placed  us  at  the  head  of  the  meeting,  and 
were  very  kind  after  meeting,  inviting  us  to  their  homes. 
We  accepted  the  invitation  of  Dillworth  Schooley,  and  after 
dinner  rode  seven  miles  to  a  meeting  appointed  among  them 
at  Honey  Grove.  We  were  a  little  late  in  reaching  the 
place,  and  found  the  house  filled.  We  soon  gathered  into  a 
precious  solemnity,  and  oh  !  what  a  tendering  season  we 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


229 


were  permitted  to  enjoy.  The  word  of  life  flowed  out,  and 
we  were  deeply  baptized  together.  Many  of  their  members 
were  absent,  having  gone  to  their  Yearly  Meeting  at  Osca- 
loosa.  We  returned  to  Nathan  Macy's,  and  stayed  over 
night.  In  the  evening  I  had  a  very  sweet,  refreshing  op- 
portunity with  three  young  people.  It  was  worth  the  visit 
here,  to  have  this  "Heavenly  season.  Next  morning  we  went 
to  West  Branch  Meeting,  "  Gurney  Friends,"  where  there 
was  quite  a  gathering  of  people.  Here  we  found  rather 
more  reservedness,  than  at  the  other  meetings,  still  we  were 
welcomed,  and  a  very  comfortable  season  was  our  portion. 
We  dined  with  a  Friend  named  Jonathan  Wilson.  Both 
he  and  his  wife  treated  us  very  kindly.  At  this  meeting, 
and  at  Springdale,  I  met  my  mother's  friend  Anabella  Winn, 
wife  of  Thomas  Winn.  She  was  very  kind,  and  desired  the 
blessing  of  the  Holy  One  upon  me. 

From  West  Branch  we  returned  to  West  Liberty,  and 
stayed  all  night  with  Thomas  Brown  who,  on  Sixth-day, 
took  us  through  a  beautiful  country  to  Iowa  City.  In  the 
evening  we  had  a  favored  meeting  in  the  Methodist  Meet- 
ing-house, and  went  to  lodge  at  the  house  of  a  "  Gurney 
Friend  "  named  Richard  Sanders.  We  were  very  kindly 
entertained,  and  on  Seventh-day  morning  we  took  our  de- 
parture from  Iowa  City  for  Prairie  Grove;  the  distance  being 
forty-five  miles.  Soon  after  we  had  started  rain  began  to 
fall ;  and  a  rainy  day  it  proved  to  be.  It  was  about  nine 
P.  M.  when  we  reached  Caleb  Russel's,  where  we  were 


230 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


kindly  taken  in  and  cared  for.  First-day  we  attended  Prairie 
Grove  Meeting.  It  was  a  good-sized  company,  and  we  felt 
very  comfortable  in  being  with  them.  In  the  afternoon  we 
rode  to  Mt.  Pleasant,  a  town  of  several  thousand  inhabitants, 
where  we  had  a  meeting  appointed  for  the  evening  in  the 
Campbellite  Meeting  House.  The  gathering  was  large,  and 
it  proved  to  be  a  remarkably  solemn,  quiet  meeting.  There 
are  several  Friends  residing  in  Mt.  Pleasant.  Whom  should 
I  meet  here,  but  Newton  Thompson  and  family,  at  whose 
house  we  were  entertained.  They  have  nine  children,  and 
are  comfortably  situated.  On  Second-day  (to-day)  we  dined 
with  the  wife  of  Bennet  S.  Walters  who  resides  at  Prairie 
Grove  in  a  comfortable  home.  We  left  the  place  about  2.30 
P.  M.  and  came  here. 

Since  I  last  wrote  thee,  we  have  been  passing  through  the 
most  beautiful  country  for  agricultural  purposes  that  I  have 
ever  seen.  We  are  both  very  well,  and  have  been  so  during 
all  the  time  that  we  have,  passed  in  this  State. 

I  feel  thankful  to  our  Heavenly  Father  for  his  bountiful 
goodness  in  taking  care  of  us,  and  making  a  way  for  us  to 
discharge  the  duties  placed  upon  us.  May  the  praise  be 
ascribed  to  Him  who  alone  is  worthy. 

With  my  heart  full  of  love  to  you  all,  and  with  desires 
for  your  preservation,  thy  husband,  in  the  bonds  of  true 
affection, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 
Write  to  Richmond,  Ind. ;  to  Waynesville,  O. ;  and  later 
to  Springfield,  0. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


231 


Chappaqua,  N.  Y.,  Eighth  Month  3rd,  1867. 

My  Dear  Wife: — Here  we  are  at  Esther  Haviland's,  ex- 
pecting to  attend  an  appointed  meeting  this  evening,  at  a 
new  building  called  the  Union  Meeting-house. 

I  suppose  you  have  heard,  by  Benjamin's  letter,  of  our 
safe  arrival  at  Purchase,  where  we  were  kindly  entertained 
by  our  friends,  William  Sherwood  and  wife,  at  whose  house 
we  made  our  home  while  visiting  in  that  neighborhood. 
We  saw  David  Barnes  and  family,  Solomon  Haviland  and 
his  sons,  Mellis  Tilton  and  wife,  James  Burdsall  and  wife, 
and  our  New  York  friends,  John  L.  Griffen  and  wife,  and 
her  sisters,  Mary  and  Jane  Haydock. 

We  have  had  very  interesting  and  favored  opportunities 
in  the  meetings,  as  they  came  in  course — also  an  appointed 
one  at  White  Plains — and  last  evening  one  at  Mt.  Kisco : 
we  are  now  stopping  at  the  country  home  of  Phebe  Haight, 
the  motber-in-law  of  Effingham  Cock,  where  they — Effing- 
ham and  family — spend  their  summers.  Many  have  been 
the  inquiries  for  thee  from  the  different  friends  whom  we 
have  met,  and  much  regret  has  been  expressed  because 
thou  art  not  with  us. 

So  far,  I  have  been  right  well,  and  have  got  along  very 
comfortably.  We  expect  to  attend  the  regular  meeting  at 
Chappaqua  to-morrow  morning,  and  an  appointed  one  at 
Amawalk  in  the  afternoon,  then  to  go  on  to  Quaker  Hill,  at 
which  place  Nine  Partners  Quarter  is  to  be  held  on  Second- 
day.    My  Heavenly  Shepherd  has  been  to  me  mouth  and 


232 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


wisdom,  tongue  and  utterance,  and  the  solemnizing  influ- 
ence of  his  presence  has  been  the  "  crown  and  diadem"  of 
our  assemblies,  I  trust,  to  the  refreshing  of  the  weary 
travelers.  May  the  praise  be  ascribed  to  Him,  and  Him 
alone.  Friends  are  very  kind,  and  we  have  great  cause  to 
be  thankful.  Between  meetings  my  time  is  much  taken 
up,  as  I  find  many  inquiring  minds,  and  much  opportunity 
for  this  kind  of  service. 

As  I  am  called  to  tea,  I  must  now  close.    I  have  re- 
gretted not  getting  to  see  sister  Hannah  Lester  before  I 
left.     Hoping  you  are  all  getting  along  well,  I  conclude 
with  a  heart  full  of  love  to  you  and  to  inquiring  friends. 
Thy  husband,  in  much  affection, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  Eighth  Month  10th,  1867. 

My  Dear  Wife  : — The  steamboat  Daniel  Drew,  brought  us 
to  this  place  about  one  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Yesterday,  after  attending  meeting  at  Hudson,  we  crossed 
the  river,  and  had  a  very  satisfactory  appointed  meeting  at 
Athens,  in  the  evening.  The  notice  was  short,  but  the 
house  was  filled,  and  among  the  company  I  believe  there 
were  many  who  were  seeking  Truth.  We  passed  the  night 
with  our  friends,  Abraham  Lawton  and  family. 

At  Hudson  we  met  with  George  Truman  and  wife,  who 
are  visiting  meetings  in  this  part  of  the  county.  This  is 
the  only  place  at  which  we  have  met  them.    It  was  Stan- 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


233 


ford  Quarterly  Meeting,  held,  this  time,  at  Hudson.  It  was 
a  small  gathering — greatly  contrasting  with  our  Quarter — 
and  most  of  the  time  in  the  first  meeting  was  occupied  by 

 ,  though  I  found  opportunity  for  the  relief  of  my 

much  exercised  mind,  and  in  the  women's  meeting,  after 
the  shutters  were  closed,  I  had  a  very  satisfactory  service. 
Several  of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee  were  in  attend- 
ance, and  of  the  number  were  our  dear  friends,  Rachel 
Hicks  and  Robert  R.  Willets.  Truly  the  condition  of  our 
Society  is  very  weak  in  these  parts,  and  unless  a  change 
should  take  place,  their  meetings  must,  ere  long,  go  down. 
Still,  I  hope  that  there  may  be  those  found  who  will  be 
willing  to  raise  the  standard  of  Truth  among  them. 

To-morrow  we  are  to  attend  meeting  here  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  one  at  Pleasant  Valley  at  four  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon. After  this  we  go  to  Isaac  Merritt's  to  lodge,  then 
have  an  appointed  meeting  at  Oswego  on  Second-day  even- 
ing ;  attend  the  meeting  at  IsTine  Partners  on  Third-day 
morning,  and  have  one  appointed  at  Hart's  Village  (not 
among  Friends)  in  the  evening,  then  return  to  this  city, 
where  we  may  attend  the  Monthly  Meeting.  After  leaving 
Poughkeepsie,  our  prospect  is  to  cross  the  river  and  go 
down  to  Marlborough,  thence  to  Cornwall  and  Clove,  then 
recross  the  Hudson  and  hold  an  appointed  meeting  at 
Peekskill  on  Sixth-day  evening;  on  Seventh-day  to  pass 
through  New  York,  on  our  way  to  Shrewsbury,  in  order  to 
attend  the  meeting  there  on  First-day.    This  will  close  the 

15 


234 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


service,  and  then  I  want  thee  to  come  down  to  Long 
Branch,  and  let  us  have  a  few  days  together,  enjoying  the 
ocean.  Probably  brother  James  or  some  of  the  family  may 
be  going  down  on  Seventh-day,  and  thou  can  accompany 
them,  and  come  on  to  Shrewsbury  to  meet  me.  We  expect 
to  stop  at  the  home  of  Thomas  Williams,  or  at  that  of  Ben- 
jamin W.  Corlies,  where  we  shall  be  glad  to  meet  you,  or 
at  Shrewsbury  Meeting  on  First-day. 

I  have  been  very  well,  not  having  suffered  any  from 
hoarseness  this  time.  Brother  Benjamin  is  also  well  and 
his  company  and  service  have  been  grateful  to  me. 

[In  1873  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  visit  the  Indian  agencies  under  its  charge.  In 
pursuance  of  this  appointment,  they  went,  in  the  Sixth 
Month,  to  Nebraska  and  Kansas.  Samuel  J.  Levick  was 
one  of  this  Committee.] 

Great  Nemaha  Agency,  Nebraska,  Sixth  Month  21st,  1873. 
My  Dear  Wife : — We  arrived  here  night  before  last,  after 
a  very  pleasant  ride  from  Omaha.  Our  route  lay  along  the 
valleys  of  the  Missouri,  the  Platte  and  the  Nemaha  Rivers, 
to  White  Cloud,  in  the  State  of  Kansas.  Here  we  were 
met  and  conveyed  to  the  Agency,  arriving  there  after  dusk. 
We  found  Deborah  F.  Wharton  and  her  daughter-in-law, 
Susan  Wharton,  also  her  grand-daughter,  Hettie  Thurston. 
All  well.  Yesterday  morning,  soon  after  breakfast,  Agent 
Lightfoot,  with  David  Petitt  and  myself,  started  out  to 
take  a  view  of  the  Agenc}7,  to  see  the  Indians  in  their 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


235 


homes,  and  to  examine  their  improvements.  We  were 
much  interested  in  our  trip,  having  an  opportunity  of  see- 
ing the  Indians  in  their  different  conditions.  Among  the 
first  that  we  visited  was  a  family  living  in  a  bark  house. 
They  were  just  eating  their  breakfast,  sitting  down  on  the 
ground.  The}'  had  some  visitors,  and  the  head  of  the  fam- 
ily, having  been  away,  his  countenance  gave  evidence  that 
he  had  been  using  "  fire-water."  We  did  not  tarry  long, 
but  went  on  to  another  home,  which  was  very  different.  A 
snug  log-house  and  a  flourishing  garden,  with  a  variety  of 
vegetables.  Both  the  corn  and  the  potatoes  on  the  reser- 
vation are  the  finest  that  we  have  seen  this  season.  After 
having  visited  a  number  of  houses  whose  interiors  looked 
snug  and  comfortable,  we  went  to  the  school-and-mission- 
house  for  children.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  afternoon  we 
held  a  council  with  the  Iowas,  where  were  all  their  chiefs 
and  head  men  and  braves.  Speeches  were  made  by  some 
of  us,  and  replies  came  from  all  the  chiefs  and  from  one  de- 
posed chief.  He  and  several  of  the  others  were  attired  in 
the  Indian  costume.  The  opportunity  was  interesting  and 
satisfactory. 

We  now  start  for  the  Sac  and  Fox  tribe,  to  hold  a  coun- 
cil with  them  this  afternoon.  On  Second-day  we  are  to  go 
to  the  Otoe  Agency,  where  we  shall  probably  be  detained  a 
day  or  two,  and  then  start  homeward  on  Fifth-day,  arriving 
in  Kansas  City  on  Sixth-day  evening.  Should  it  seem  to  be 
feasible,  we  shall  try  to  reach  Richmond,  Ind.,  so  as  to  pass 


236 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


First-day  there,  and  then  go  right  through  to  Philadelphia. 
We  may,  however,  have  to  remain  over  First-day  in  St. 
Louis.  The  weather,  though  warm,  is  delightful,  heing 
tempered  by  a  fine  breeze. 

As  the  time  has  come  for  us  to  go,  I  must  conclude.  So, 
with  much  love  to  you  all,  I  am  thy  affectionate  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Otoe  Agency,  Sixth  Month  25th,  1873. 

My  Dear  Wife : — We  arrived  at  this  place  night  before 
last,  having  made  the  journey  from  the  other  agency  in  one 
day.  About  seventy  miles  of  the  way,  we  came  by  rail, 
and  thirty  by  wagon.  Yesterday  we  were  very  busy  ex- 
amining into  the  condition  of  things,  and  riding  round  over 
a  portion  of  the  agency. 

Here  we  see  Indian  life  in  all  its  native  conditions.  They 
live,  most  of  them,  in  their  original  way  in  wigwams  and 
lodges,  in  village  style,  with  all  its  accompanying  filth. 
These  villages  are  occupied  by  several  families,  each  having 
its  place.  The  wigwams  are  made  of  wooden  frames,  lined 
with  skins,  and  covered  on  the  outside  with  a  thick  cover- 
ing of  sods.  The  only  light  is  admitted  by  an  opening  at 
the  top,  which  serves  also  as  an  outlet  for  the  smoke.  The 
fire  is  made  in  the  middle  of  the  ground-floor.  A  long 
entry  leads  to  each  of  the  wigwams.  They  are  quite  high, 
and  on  the  outside,  at  a  little  distance,  look  like  huge  hay- 
stacks. Here  we  see  the  Indian  dressed  in  his  native  style ; 
the  men — many  of  them  —  wearing ,  nothing  but  a  cloth 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


237 


around  their  waists,  and  a  blanket  thrown  loosely  over 
head  and  shoulders.  Some  wear  only  the  cloth,  without 
the  blanket  appendage.  The  squaws  and  girls  wear  loose 
dresses  and  slips,  and  the  boys  wear  shirts,  sometimes  with 
the  additional  blanket.  The  small  children  run  about  with- 
out any  clothing.  Many  of  the  men  have  their  heads 
shaved,  leaving  only  a  small  tuft  of  hair;  both  head  and  face 
are  painted  red.  Many  of  them  wear  red  leggings,  and  red 
and  green  blankets  abound.  They  are  an  indolent  tribe.  I 
have  seen  but  two  men  at  work  since  we  came  here ;  one 
was  dressing  his  potatoes,  and  the  other,  an  old  man,  was 
making  arrows. 

Our  friends  Jesse  and  Sybella  Greist  have  been  very  kind 
to  us,  and  they  are  doing  all  that  they  can  to  make  us  com- 
fortable. Our  presence  adds  much  to  Sybella's  cares,  and 
for  this  reason,  if  no  other,  it  would  seem  desirable  to  make 
our  stay  as  short  as  may  be,  in  order  to  get  the  necessary  in- 
formation. But  aside  from  this  I  am  quite  anxious  to  reach 
home.  Deborah  Wharton  was  quite  poorly  yesterday,  but 
is  better  this  morning.  The  weather  is  very  tine,  being 
warm  and  clear.  Seventh-day  night  and  First-day  it  rained  ; 
but  with  this  exception  I  have  not  had  a  rainy  day  on  this 
journey.  The  country  here  is  very  fine,  and  a  delightful 
breeze  is  blowing  most  of  the  time. 

We  have  a  council  with  the  Indians  this  morning  at  nine 
o'clock,  so  I  must  get  ready  to  go. 

With  much  love,  thy  husband, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 


238 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 

MY  TWENTY-FIRST  BIRTH-DAY. 
Thus  has  ended  the  thirtieth  day  of  Eighth  Month,  1840  ; 
it  being  the  first  of  the  week,  and  the  first  of  my  entrance 
upon  legalized  manhood.  I  cannot  say  that  I  had  been 
looking  forward  to  it  with  any  more  anxiety  than  to  any 
other  birth-day.  In  fact  nearty  half  the  day  had  passed 
before  I  thought  of  it.  I  am  not  one  of  those  who  believe 
that  a  youth  steps  from  boyhood  to  manhood  in  one  day ; 
but,  on  the  contrary,  that  the  development  is  gradual, 
and  that  every  day  is  a  factor  in  the  transition.  I  regard  not 
this  day  as  the  entrance-gate  to  freedom,  or  to  such  liberty 
as  would  absolve  me  from  giving  heed  to  parental  advice, 
or  solicitation ;  for  I  feel  that  my  status  in  these  particu- 
lars is  the  same  that  it  was  a  year  ago.  It  is  true  that  I 
now  occupy  a  different  position,  and  stand  in  a  different 
relation  to  the  community  in  which  I  live,  and  to  the  relig- 
ious Society  of  which  I  am  a  member — as  I  am  now  amenable 
to  both  of  these  for  my  conduct — but  I  do  not  expect  to 
change,  in  the  least,  my  bearing  toward  either  of  them, 
though  I  do  desire  to  be  found  walking  in  more  faithful 
obedience  to  the  law  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  written  in  my 
heart.  I  firmly  believe  that  this  law,  as  revealed  to  us  in- 
dividually, and  followed  by  us  faithfully,  is  sufficient  to  lead 
and  guide  into  all  Truth. 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


23!) 


LA  BOEING  WITHOUT  A  CALL. 
Addressed  to  Young  Friends. 

"  When  the  Son  of  Man  shall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all 
the  holy  angels  with  Him,  then  shall  He  sit  upon  the  throne 
of  his  glory  ;  and  before  Him  shall  be  gathered  all  nations  : 
and  He  shall  separate  them  one  from  another,  as  a  shepherd 
divideth  his  sheep  from  the  goats  ;  and  He  shall  set  the  sheep 
on  his  right  hand,  but  the  goats  on  the  left.  Then  shall  the 
King  say  unto  them  on  his  right  hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of 
my  Father,  inherit  the  Kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world.  .  .  .  Then  shall  He  say  also 
unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into 
everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels, 
and  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,  but 
the  righteous  into  life  eternal." 

It  is  with  me  thus  to  write  this  day,  for  my  spirit  has  been 
bowed,  in  view  of  the  nature  of  man's  transgression  of  the 
law  of  his  God.  How  insidious  are  the  means  used  by  the 
old  enemy  of  man's  peace,  to  draw  him  away  from  the  Lord, 
his  Creator,  and  thus  produce  enmity  between  him  and  his 
God. 

For  yon,  children,  who  are  in  an  especial  manner  the  ob- 
ject of  his  embrace,  for  you,  are  these  lines  penned.  My  de- 
sire for  you  is  that  Satan  may  not  have  you  to  sift  you  as  wheat 
is  sifted,  and  to  destroy  the  seed  of  the  Kingdom  that  has  been 
sown  by  the  good  Husbandman  in  your  heart — hence  I  feel 


240 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


to  warn  you  of  his  devices.  The  means  he  is  now  employ- 
ing are  not  those  to  lead  you  into  any  apparently  wicked  ways ; 
it  is  not  the  gratification  of  your  sensual  appetites,  of  your  car- 
nal desires,  that  is  leading  you  astray;  oh,  no;  but  a  more 
deceitful  course  is  he  taking,  by  presenting  evil  in  a  refined 
dress,  and  calling  }7ou  to  the  performance  of  "  good  works ;" 
even  to  upholding  the  glorious  principles  that  Jesus  Christ 
bore  testimony  to.  It  is  not  in  breaking  the  commandments 
of  the  law,  but  in  doing  the  works  called  for  by  the  Gospel, 
that  the  enemy  of  man  is  slaying  thousands.  Oh,  see  how 
artful  are  his  ways,  for  it  remains  to  be  true  that  he  is  the 
most  subtle  of  all  the  beasts  that  the  Lord  God  has  made ! 
He  is  now  trying  to  teach  you  that  by  obeying  Mm,  you  can 
do  justly,  become  temperate,  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor  and 
oppressed ;  yea,  even  love  your  enemies,  and  have  a  knowl- 
edge of  God.  Thus,  dear  children,  though  you  see  him 
not,  and  know  him  not,  is  he  stealthily  leading  you  away. 

Mine  eye  having  been  opened  to  see  these  things,  in  the 
love  of  the  Gospel  I  write  unto  you  to  warn  you  and  to  as- 
sure you  that  this  seducer  is  the  father  of  lies  •  that  he  is, 
and  ever  will  continue  to  be,  a  liar,  for  the  truth  is  not  in 
him. 

Oh,  ye  sons  and  daughters  who  are  thus  being  led  captive, 
for  you  is  my  spirit  under  deep  exercise,  and  I  feel  called 
upon  to  write  to  you,  and  to  remind  you  that  the  Lord  your 
God  is  watching  over  you  for  your  redemption,  and  that  "  it 
is  not  in  man  that  walketh  to  direct  his  steps"  aright.  The 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


241 


outward  acts  of  the  Gospel  may  be  done  in  our  own  will ; 
but  to  be  availing  they  must  be  performed  in  the  Spirit  of  the 
Gospel ;  for  as  faith  without  works  is  dead,  so  likewise  works 
a- it  boat  faith  are  dead;  and  here  is  the  evil  spoken  of;  we 
are  resting  on  works ;  the  activity  of  the  natural  man  has 
opened  a  way  for  the  enemy  to  come  into  the  mind,  and  to 
lead  it  astray  into  the  performance  of  labor  as  a  good  work. 
But  no  work  is  really  good  unless  it  has  been  blessed ;  and 
the  Lord  will  never  bless  that  which  He  has  not  called  for. 
I  allude  to  spiritual  labor  at  which  you  may  be  toiling,  but 
not  receiving  any  reward. 

The  cause,  dear  children,  of  your  being  thus  led  captive 
by  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air,  has  been  the  want  of 
your  keeping  silence  before  God.  Ye  have  not  waited  for 
Him  ;  ye  have  not  learned  patience,  one  of  the  great  virtues, 
one  of  the  essential  ingredients  in  the  character  of  the  Lamb's 
followers.  I  have  known  this  from  experience ;  and  I  now 
believe  myself  bound  to  write  and  declare  that  it  is  not  the 
amount  of  labor  we  perform  that  will  be  accounted  unto  us 
for  righteousness,  but  in  what  we  do,  being  done  by  and 
under  the  immediate  direction  of  our  Heavenly  Parent;  and 
that  one  of  the  most  important  lessons  we  have  to  learn  in 
our  Christian  travel,  is  that  of  being  willing  to  do  nothing ; 
to  be  still.  "  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God"  was  a  Di- 
vine injunction ;  and  from  it  we  learn  that  without  a  still- 
ness of  all  that  would  be  active,  we  cannot  know  God.  Such 
has  been  the  experience  of  the  Lord's  servants  in  all  ages ; 


242 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


the  prophet  of  the  Lord  knew  it,  when  he  commanded, 
"  Keep  silence  before  me,  all  ye  islands,  and  let  the  people 
renew  their  strength."  If  this  was  necessary  for  a  renewal 
of  strength,  how  much  more  so  to  obtain  that  strength  in 
the  first  place,  that  we  may  be  able  to  wield  those  potent 
weapons  which  will  ward  off  the  assaults  of  him  who  is  the 
enemy  of  our  soul's  peace. 

I  write  thus,  not  because  I  wish  to  discourage  any  in  the 
performance  of  a  duty  that  the  Lord  is  requiring  at  their 
hands,  be  it  seemingly  great  or  small ;  but  that  ye  may  know 
that  many  who  are  laboring  are  receiving  no  reward. 

Like  the  children  of  Israel,  3'ou  have,  because  of  the  fam- 
ine, gone  down  into  Egypt,  and  have  there  increased  and 
multiplied,  and  a  king  has  arisen  who  knew  not  Joseph ; 
and  you  will,  sooner  or  later,  feel  the  persecuting  power 
inflicted  upon  you.  Oh  !  then,  come  out  of  Egypt,  and  pre- 
fer rather  to  sutler  with  the  Seed  in  traveling  through  the 
wilderness,  than  to  remain  where  you  are;  knowing  that 
the  Land  of  Canaan  has  been  promised  unto  our  fathers, 
even  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey.  Then  will  you 
see  that  the  weapons  of  the  Lord's  warfare  are  not  carnal, 
but  spiritual,  and  mighty,  through  God,  to  the  breaking 
down  of  the  strongholds  of  oppression  and  violence,  of  hatred 
and  debauchery,  with  which  the  land  is  filled.  The  Hivites 
and  the  Perizzites  and  the  Amorites — all  these  enemies  will 
be  destroyed  by  the  power  of  the  Lord.  It  was  only  as 
Israel  dwelt  alone,  separated  from  the  surrounding  nations, 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


243 


that  they  overcame  their  foes;  it  was  only  as  they  followed 
the  pillar  of  cloud  by  day,  and  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  that 
they  were  safe ;  and  we  see  the  evils  that  befel  them  for 
want  of  patience,  even  after  they  had  beheld  the  fire  of  the 
Lord  upon  the  mount,  and  had  heard  the  thunderings  and 
the  voice — yet,  because  their  leader  tarried,  they  became 
impatient,  and  demanded  that  a  god  should  be  made,  and  a 
golden  calf  was  made ;  and  even  this  people,  that  had  been 
so  highly  favored,  worshipped  it ;  and  said,  "  These  be  thy 
gods,  0,  Israel,  which  brought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt."  Such  was  their  idolatry,  even  after  they  had  be- 
held the  Almighty  Power  of  God,  so  marvellously  displayed 
unto  them.  May  not  we,  of  the  present  day,  find  deep  in- 
struction in  this  account,  and  learn  from  it  the  necessity  of 
being  patient,  and  of  not  desiring  to  awake  our  beloved 
"  until  He  please."  If  we  can  only  learn  the  important 
lesson  of  tarrying  at  Jerusalem  until  "  endued  with  power 
from  on  high" — well  will  it  be  for  us;  for  then  shall  we  be 
preserved  in  safety,  and  "  the  arrows  of  the  enemy  will  fail 
harmless"  by  our  side. 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

First  Month  10th,  1844. 

"  MIND  THE  LIGHT." 
Whatever  makes  manifest  or  plain,  is  Light.    God  is 
represented  as  Light ;  therefore,  the  word  itself  represents 
God.    "  God  is  Light,  and  in  Him  is  no  darkness  at  all." 
Every  measure  of  Light  is  that  much  from  God.    Then  let 


244 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


none  reject  these  rays  as  they  come  to  them.  The  child 
receives  them  through  the  parent  and  through  everything 
which  he  sees  or  hears  that  is  good,  even  from  the  pages  of 
a  book.  These  varieties  of  Light  may  properly  be  called 
reflected  Light,  just  as  the  moon,  which  to  us  appears  lumi- 
nous, reflects  the  light  of  the  sun.  This  reflected  Light 
makes  mam?  things  appear  measurably  plain  by  removing 
a  portion  of  the  darkness  and  lighting  up  what  would 
otherwise  be  obscure. 

We  know  that,  as  human  beings,  our  first  condition  is 
the  darkness  of  ignorance.  We  come  into  the  world 
ignorant,  and  it  is  only  as  the  Light  dawns  upon  our  under- 
standing, that  we  begin  to  comprehend  natural  things. 
This  is  the  twilight  of  our  childhood.  Then  the  reflected 
Light  from  our  parents,  our  teachers,  our  books,  and  what- 
ever other  influences  for  good  may  be  around  us,  is  suffi- 
cient for  us  to  walk  by  until  the  direct  Light  begins  to  dawn 
upon  our  spiritual  understanding.  This  last  is  "  The  true 
Light,  which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the 
world."  "For  the  commandment  is  a  lamp,  and  the  law 
is  light,  and  reproofs  of  instruction  are  the  way  of  life." 
It  should  be  every  man's  duty  to  seek  to  know,  and,  know- 
ing, to  obey  this  law.  It  is  given  to  a  man  just  as  plainly 
as  a  parent  makes  known  his  will  or  law  to  his  child,  and 
it  is  especially  adapted  to  our  present  want.  It  should  be 
the  purpose  of  every  son  of  God,  every  one  who  has  experi- 
enced the  new  birth,  to  bear  witness  to  his  (spiritually) 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


245 


younger  brethren  of  the  importance  of  hearkening  unto 
and  obeying  the  voice  of  God,  so  that  they  may  live  in  the 
enjoyment  of  all  the  good  things  of  the  Father's  house,  and 
by  keeping  in  that  safe  habitation,  without  even  the  desire 
to  wander  away,  they  may  know  what  it  is  to  enjoy  the 
Father's  presence  in  their  youth,  their  manhood,  and  their 
old  age.  This  is  the  nearest  approach  that  can  be  made  to 
heaven  while  in  this  state  of  being,  and  the  only  limit  to 
the  measure  of  our  enjoyment  will  be  our  capacity  to 
receive  it. 

It  is  time  to  have  religion  sifted  from  all  the  rubbish 
with  which  it  has  been  covered  by  designing,  selfish  men 
whose  interest  lies  in  keeping  it  thus  covered.  If  it  were 
presented  in  its  true  light  and  made  to  appear  just  what  it 
is,  there  would  be  many  more  than  there  now  are  who 
would  embrace  it,  and  it  would  also  be  found  that  many, 
very  many,  have  it  without  knowing  what  they  possess;  so 
different  is  the  treasure  occupying  a  secret  place  in  their 
hearts  from  that  which  is  described  in  learned  disquisitions 
upon  religion. 

If  we  are  honest  in  our  profession,  and  sure  of  the  pos- 
session of  this  treasure,  we  shall  want  all  others  to  enjoy  it 
with  us.  We  shall  desire  to  keep  nothing  back  that  might 
be  of  benefit  to  them,  but — as  we  may  feel  commissioned 
to  do  so — we  will  say  unto  the  people,  far  and  near,  "  Mind 
that  which  makes  manifest,  for  that  is  Light." 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

No  Date. 


246 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


A  KNOWLEDGE  OF  RELIGION. 

We  do  not  need  to  have  multiplied  theories  or  specula- 
tions concerning  religion — for  the  world  is  full  of  these — 
but  we  do  need  that  mankind  should  be  instructed  to  attach 
great  importance  to  the  value  of  time,  and  to  place  a  true 
estimate  on  the  worth  of  life. 

Teachers  of  what  is  called  religion  are  often  more  inter- 
ested in  promulgating  their  own  theories  and  in  proselyting 
to  their  own  sects,  than  they  are  in  acquainting  themselves 
with  a  knowledge  of  Truth  and  then  instructing  the  people 
therein.  It  is,  indeed,  lamentable  that  this  knowledge 
should  be  so  lightly  esteemed  and  so  little  possessed  by  the 
world.  Mankind,  for  centuries,  have  been  led  to  look  to 
the  priests  and  theological  teachers  for  spiritual  instruction, 
when — sad  to  contemplate — too  few  of  these  have  had  any 
to  impart,  and  these  few  have  possessed  it  in  but  small 
measure,  and  have  been  "unwilling  to  give  out  the  little  that 
they  had.  The  disposition  still  exists  among  some  who  are 
called  ministers  of  the  Gospel  to  keep  the  minds  of  the 
people  in  darkness,  in  order  that  they  may  have  the  greater 
hold  upon  them,  for  they  know  that  the  acquisition  of  a 
true  knowlege  of  religion  elevates  man  and  turns  him  from 
a  dependence  on  his  fellow-man  to  a  trust  and  confidence 
in  God. 

While  it  is  our  duty  not  to  reject  any  means,  but  to  make 
use  of  all  that  are  within  our  reach  which  can  confer  on  us 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


247 


this  knowledge,  still  it  remains  to  be  a  truth  that  the  know- 
ledge itself  ever  has  come,  and  ever  must  come,  from  God. 
We  know  that  there  are  forms  of  it  that  come  to  us  through 
instruments — such  as  anointed  Gospel  messengers,  the  ex- 
perience of  all  good  men,  and,  most  of  all,  the  Bible,  whose 
contents  are  so  full  of  instruction — yet  the  saving  know- 
ledge of  God  must  come  to  us,  as  it  came  to  his  saints  and 
children  in  the  past,  by  the  revelation  of  his  will  in  the 
soul.  "  Because  that  which  may  be  known  of  God  is  mani- 
fest in  them,  for  God  hath  showed  it  unto  them."  "He 
hath  showed  thee,  O,  man,  what  is  good,  and  what  doth  the 
Lord  require  of  thee  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy, 
and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God." 

Now  there  has  been  no  change  with  God,  for  in  Him 
"  there  is  no  variableness,  neither  shadow  of  turning." 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

No  Date. 

RISE  AND  DECLINE  OF  FRIENDS. 

[Written  on  the  margin  of  a  Pamphlet  entitled  "  The  De- 
cline of  Friends  ;  Causes  and  Remedy."] 

The  cause  of  the  Rise  of  the  Society  of  Friends  was  obedi- 
ence to  duty  to  God,  the  great  Teacher  of  mankind. 

The  cause  of  the  Decline,  or  absence  of  growth  in  the 
Truth,  is  that  its  members,  as  a  whole,  lack  obedience  to 
duty  to  God  and  love  other  things  more  than  they  love 
Him.    Jesus  said,  "  He  that  loveth  father  or  mother, 


248 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


son  or  daughter  (objects  of  strongest  earthly  affection),  more 
than  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me." 

In  Nature,  like  causes  produce  like  results.  Equally  true 
is  this  in  Divine  things.  Samuel  J.  Levick. 

HOME  DUTIES. 

My  mind  has  been  impressed  with  the  importance  of  a 
subject  which,  I  fear,  does  not  receive  from  many  of  us 
who  are  parents  the  consideration  which  it  deserves. 

I  refer  to  our  duties  at  home,  within  our  family  circle, 
for  in  this  sphere  are  to  be  found  resting  upon  us  obliga- 
tions, for  the  discharge  of  which  we  shall  be  held  to  a  strict- 
account.  The  duties  that  we  owe  to  our  children  are  so 
imperative  that  nothing  short  of  actual  disability  can  ex- 
cuse us  for  their  non-performance,  while  the  consequences 
involved  in  their  neglect  are  so  far-reaching  that  we  cannot 
even  estimate  the  injury  that  may  result. 

The  object  of  our  great  Creator  in  assigning  to  our  care 
these  tender  plants,  was  not  that  we  should  be  wholly 
engrossed  in  providing  outward  substance  for  them  and  for 
ourselves;  and  yet,  to  judge  from  the  actions  of  many  pa- 
rents, it  would  appear  as  if  they  thought  that  such  was  the 
case.  Neither  did  he  confer  upon  us  feelings  of  sj'mpathy 
in  order  that  others  should  be  the  objects  of  it,  and  our 
own  families  excluded.  Nor  did  He  give  us  powers  of 
mind  to  be  cultivated  for  our  own  gratification  and  to  the 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL    TOPICS.  249 

detriment  of  our  children.  Nay,  verily;  but,  on  the  con- 
trary, we  are  placed  as  delegated  shepherds  and  shepherd- 
esses, to  watch  over  the  flock  of  our  own  household,  to 
observe  the  early  budding  and  growth  of  their  tender 
minds  and  to  train  them  in  a  way  and  manner  that  will  be 
pleasing  in  the  sight  of  Him  who  gave  them. 

Is  it  not  apparent  that  such  watching  and  such  training 
cannot  be  given  to  our  children  without  time  and  atten- 
tion? But,  according  to  the  generally  prevailing  custom  of 
those  who  abound  with  the  good  things  of  this  life,  the 
child,  from  the  time  of  its  birth  until  it  is  considered  old 
enough  to  have  a  governess,  is  consigned  to  the  charge  of 
nurses,  who,  from  their  lack  of  knowledge,  and  often  of 
piety,  are  ill  qualified  to  discharge  the  duties  of  care-takers. 

When  the  school-going  period  arrives,  but  little  opportu- 
nity is  afforded,  and  still  less  is  taken,  for  close  companion- 
ship with  the  parents.  The  mother  may  be  so  occupied 
that  she  cannot  answer  a  simple  question  put  to  her  by  her 
child,  while  the  father  is  so  taken  up  with  business  that  he 
has  no  time  to  be  "bothered"  with  childish  inquiries,  so 
the  little  one,  repulsed  by  both  parents,  but  even  yet  eager 
for  information  and  craving  sympathy,  turns  to  the  nurse, 
or  to  the  kitchen-maid,  and  receives  such  as  she  has  to  im- 
part. The  father  has,  or  takes,  time  to  go  to  a  political 
meeting  or  to  the  club-room,  and  the  mother  to  a  meeting 
of  the  sewing  society  or  to  a  sociable,  or  the  two  may  go 
together  to  a  lecture  or  to  some  place  of  amusement,  thus 
16 

» 


250 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


making  home  rather  a  dreary  place  for  the  children,  except 
as  the  "  servants"  choose  to  enliven  it. 

Accustomed  to  such  an  environment,  and  in  view  of  such 
examples,  the  children,  while  growing  up,  imbibe  a  love  for 
excitement  and  a  distaste  for  the  monotony  of  home-life, 
instead  of  becoming  inured  to  domestic  attachments  and 
domestic  duties  which  would  fit  them  for  their  places  as 
heads  of  families  when  they  come  to  have  homes  of  their 
own.  Thus  their  craving  is  to  get  away  of  an  evening  and 
to  mingle  with  the  throng  at  a  party,  a  theatre  or  a  popular 
lecture.  Home  seems  to  be  disregarded,  its  duties  lost  sight 
of,  and — for  want  of  cultivation — but  little  real  affection  is 
felt  by  the  children  for  their  parents.  Father  is  essential 
as  the  family  treasurer,  and  mother  as  superintendent  of 
the  "  servants,"  while  home  is  a  convenient  place  to  lodge 
and  to  take  meals  at.  The  parents  are  ready  to  marvel  that 
the  children  have  so  little  desire  for  their  company,  and  still 
less  regard  for  their  wishes. 

Dear  parents,  what  more  could  you  expect  ?  What  has 
been  done  by  you  to  make  home  a  place  to  be  preferred 
before  all  others  and  your  society  the  most  to  be  desired  by 
your  children  ?  Have  ambitious  temptations  for  the  display 
of  wealth  been  resisted  and  desires  been  moderated,  so  that 
fewer  hours  would  be  needed  in  business,  and  thus  many 
more  enjoyed  at  home?  Have  you  so  cherished  the  heart's 
best  affections  that  your  presence  in  the  family  circle  has 
gladdened  those  who  were  awaiting  your  coming  ?  And 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


251 


have  parents  and  children  together  heen  made  partakers  of 
the  heavenly  joy  spread  around  them  ? 

The  self-searching,  the  close  scrutiny,  required  to  enable 
you  to  give  candid  answers  to  these  questions  may  prove 
profitable  a's  well  as  painful,  and  to  all  who  are  parents  good 
may  come  from  such  an  examination.  Let  those  of  us  who 
are  husbands  and  fathers  gladly  hasten  from  the  exchange, 
or  turn  away  from  the  excitement  of  the  busy  throng,  to 
enjoy  the  company  of  our  wives  and  the  innocent  prattle  of 
our  children,  and  let  both  fathers  and  mothers  feel  the 
weight  of  the  responsibility  that  rests  upon  them  as  care- 
takers of  those  who  have  been  committed  to  their  charge. 
If  we  really  love  our  families,  let  us  manifest  our  love  by 
being  more  at  home,  and  thus  having  more  of  their  company. 
If  we  would  curtail  our  wants  and  live  in  more  simplicity, 
so  that  less  of  our  time  must  be  devoted  to  business,  then 
would  there  be  a  decided  change  in  family  affairs  and  a 
realization  of  what  is  meant  by  family  affection.  Then 
should  we  be  found  gathering  our  children  around  us, 
joining  with  the  younger  ones  in  their  juvenile  pastimes, 
having  some  instructive  work  read  aloud  by  one  of  the 
older,  and — most  profitable  of  all — sitting  down  with  them 
for  seasons  of  retirement,  wherein  we  could,  in  the  silence 
of  all  flesh,  crave  that  the  Divine  blessing  might  rest  upon 
them,  and  upon  us  in  our  efforts  for  their  welfare. 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

No  Date. 


252 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


A  PHILANTHROPIC  UNION  OF  FRIENDS.* 

I  have  no  doubt  but  that  the  concern  has  had  its  spring  in 
honest  hearts,  earnestly  desiring  to  be  working  in  the  line 
of  duty;  but  I  think  that  the  subjects,  or  the  propositions 
concerning  them,  will  not  prove  conducive  to  unity,  nor  pro- 
mote religious  growth,  in  the  present  condition  of  our  sev- 
eral Yearly  Meetings. 

We  cannot  hold  too  closely  to  the  views  originally  uttered 
by  the  founders  of  our  Society,  that  they  believed  them- 
selves called  to  revive,  and  present  to  the  world  "  primitive 
Christianity ;"  or  in  other  words,  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus, 
as  presented  in  his  life,  and  recorded  in  the  Holy  Scriptures. 
Do  we  not  believe  that  there  is  contained  in  this  holy  life 
all  that  is  necessary  for  the  development  of  the  perfect  man? 
"  For  other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid, 
which  is  Jesus  Christ."    This  is  the  "  Rock  of  Ages." 

It  cannot  be  denied  that  "  darkness  covers  the  earth,  and 
gross  darkness  (the  minds  of)  the  people;"  that  this  dark- 
ness can  only  be  dissipated  by  light;  and  that  only  the  pos- 
sessor of  this  light  can  be  instrumental  in  leading  others  to  it. 

The  "  Address  "  commences  "  A  desire  has  arisen  with 
us  that  our  Society  may  return  to  its  early  faithfulness,  en- 
ergy and  usefulness,  and  more  fully  accomplish  its  mission 
in  aiding  by  practical  labor  in  raising  the  average  standard 
of  the  world's  morality." 

*  Suggested  by  an  "Address"  to  the  Yearly  Meetings. 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


253 


In  this  first  paragraph  there  is  an  acknowledgment  that 
the  Society  has  wandered  away,  or  gone  from  that  which  it 
early  possessed,  and  which  made  it  a  light  in  the  world. 
Hence  it  is,  that  before  it  can  perform  its  former  work  of 
"faithfulness,"  etc.,  it  must  return  to  its  "first  love;"  and 
should  it  not  therefore  be  the  duty  of  those  who  are  sensible 
of  its  departure,  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  Society  to  this 
subject?  Is  it  not  with  us  as  a  Society,  as  the  Lord  said 
through  the  mouth  of  his  prophet :  "  For  my  people  have 
committed  two  evils  :  they  have  forsaken  me,  the  Fountain 
of  living  waters,  and  hewed  them  out  cisterns,  broken  cis- 
terns, that  can  hold  no  water"  ?  Can  the  Society  labor  ef- 
fectively until  it  shall  have  returned  f  Before  entering  into 
the  field  of  labor  "  outside  of  our  own  membership,"  ought 
not  our  efforts  to  be  directed  to  the  work  within  ?  This 
(purpose  to  go  out  to  reform  the  world,  before  we  have  cor- 
rected our  own  backsliding),  is  one  of  the  inconsistencies 
that  the  "  Address  "  bears  on  its  face,  and  must  so  strike 
the  observant  mind.  Had  it  called  the  attention  of  our 
members  to  the  departures  among  ourselves,  and  proposed 
some  means  whereby  we  might  return  to  the  faithfulness, 
energy  and  usefulness  of  the  early  Friends  who  endeavored 
to  aid  in  raising  the  standard  not  only  of  the  ivorld's  morality, 
but  also  of  the  world's  religion  ;  had  such  been  its  purpose, 
it  would,  I  think,  meet  with  a  favorable  reception.  Those 
sons  of  the  morning  promulgated  a  knowledge  of  the  Truth, 
presenting  to  the  world  the  glorious  character  of  the  Gospel 


254 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


covenant  which  breathes  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and 
on  earth,  peace,  good  will  toward  men." 

Gould  the  "Address"  have  presented  the  condition  of  our 
Society  as  living  in  the  light  of  the  blessed  Gospel  day,  and 
bringing  forth  the  fruits  thereof;  of  being  redeemed  from 
the  frailties  of  our  human  nature,  and  disentangled  from  the 
meshes  of  worldliness;  then  it  might  have  invited  us  to 
enter  into  the  broad  field  of  the  world's  labor,  and  have 
been  received  with  some  measure  of  consideration.  Certain 
it  is,  that  but  little  in  the  work  of  enlightening  the  world 
around  them  can  be  expected  of  any  society,  or  any  people, 
who  are  themselves  astray,  and  in  the  dark. 

"We  should  place  ourselves  in  a  new  position  by  calling 
into  action  for  reforming  others  those  who  are  not  led  by 
that  which  led  the  fathers  of  this  people,  and  made  them  a 
light  in  the  world.  Their  "  faithfulness,  energy  and  useful- 
ness" aided  "by  practical  labor  in  raising  the  standard  of  the 
world's  morality  "  on  those  lines  which  the  Light  pointed 
out  to  them,  enabled  them  to  spread  the  knowledge  of  re- 
ligious Truth. 

I  am  abundantly  satisfied  that  "  like  causes  will  produce 
like  effects  :"  and  were  the  members  of  our  religious  Society 
to-day  minding  the  light,  and  walking  in  the  light,  they 
would  be  a  people  zealous  of  good  works.  Some  such  there 
are  in  all  parts  of  the  heritage ;  and  wherever  they  are,  they 
are  found  doing  their  duty. 

To  present  such  an  "  Address"  to  the  Society  in  its  pres- 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


255 


ent  condition  is  but  to  stir  up  a  chaotic  element  composed 
of  those  who  have  not  yet  come  under  the  forming  power ; 
or,  if  under  it,  are  not  yet  formed  ;  and  hence  they  are  unac- 
quainted (except  it  may  be  with  its  beginnings)  with  that 
which  has  made  righteous  men  and  women  "  fruitful  in  the 
field  of  offering,  and  joyful  in  the  house  of  prayer." 

The  diversity  of  sentiment  produced  in  our  Yearly  Meet- 
ing by  the  reading  of  the  "Address,"  the  different  elements 
that  it  brought  out,  how  some  regarded  it,  and  how  it  was 
viewed  by  others,  made  it  very  apparent  that  harmony  of 
sentiment  did  not  exist,  and  that  unity  of  action  was  scarcely 
possible. 

To  my  own  mind  this  effect  (produced  by  the  reading  of 
the  "Address")  only  manifests  the  state  of  the  body,  and 
shows  that  there  are  in  the  religious  Society  of  Friends  those 
who  do  not  have  to  return,  but  who  have  not  yet  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  that  which  made  the  Society  in  its  early  day 
so  bold,  earnest  and  faithful  in  the  promulgation  of  Truth 
and  righteousness  in  the  earth. 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

1879. 


256 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


OUR  INDEBTEDNESS  TO  WORTHY  ANCESTORS. 

[Addressed  to  the  grandchildren  of  Charles  Stokes,  when 
assembled  at  the  home  of  their  grandfather,  in  Rancocas, 
X.  J.,  on  the  occasion  of  the  sixty-fifth  anniversary  of  his 
marriage,  Tenth  Month  15th,  1881.*] 

I  am  one  of  a  younger  generation,  but  it  has  been  my 
privilege — and  I  regard  it  as  a  high  one — to  be  acquainted 
with  our  dear  friend,  your  grandfather,  for  a  period  of  about 
forty-five  years. 

Our  acquaintance  was  made  as  I  was  approximating  to 
manhood,  when  going  around  with  my  friend  (known  to 
most  of  this  company),  Joseph  Parrish,  Jr.,  of  Burlington. 
Both  Joseph  and  myself  were  interested  in  promoting  the 
welfare  of  the  colored  people,  and  we  occasionally  visited 
one  of  their  settlements  called  Timbuctoo,  not  far  from  this 

*  Charles  Stokes  and  Tacy  Jarrett  were  married  in  Friends'  Meeting-house, 
at  Horsham,  Penna.,  on  the  eighteenth  of  Tenth  Month,  1816.  In  the  later 
years  of  their  life,  it  was  their  practice  to  have  their  descendants,  and  some 
invited  friends,  assemble  at  their  home  on  the  Seventh-day  of  the  week  which 
came  nearest  to  the  date  of  their  marriage  anniversary.  The  first  of  these  re- 
unions was  held  in  1863,  and  the  last,  in  1881.  The  last  five  occurred  after 
the  death  of  the  beloved  wife  ;  and  in  about  four  months  after  the  last  one,  the 
husband  also  passed  away.  Tacy  died  in  her  ninety-second  year,  and  Charles 
in  his  ninety-first.  They  were  both  widely  known,  and  much  beloved.  The 
last  of  these  annual  gatherings  took  place  at  the  house  of  Charles  Stokes,  in 
Rancocas,  N.  J.,  and  after  dinner  the  company  assembled  in  the  parlor,  where 
addresses  were  delivered  by  Charles  Stokes,  Eli  K.  Price,  Samuel  J.  Levick, 
and  Franklin  T.  Haines,  M.  D. 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


257 


place.  On  our  journeying*  to  and  fro  we  would  stop  and 
rest  at  the  hospitable  abode  of  our  friends  Charles  and  Tacy 
Stokes,  who  then  lived  on  their  farm.  Then  and  there  it 
was  my  privilege  to  listen  to  the  words  of  counsel  and  wisdom 
from  the  lips  of  him  at  whose  house  we  are  now  assembled. 

The  impressions  then  made  upon  my  youthful  mind  have 
not  been  effaced.  As  time  has  rolled  on,  we  have  been  for 
many,  many  years  brought  closely  together,  being  members 
of  the  same  branch  of  the  religious  Society  of  Friends,  and 
associated  in  committees  of  its  annual  assemblies.  Such  as- 
sociation teaches  men,  when  convened  for  the  consideration 
of  the  subjects  presented,  that  there  must  be,  yea,  that  there 
necessarily  will  be,  diversity  of  sentiment,  even  where  there 
is  an  entire  honesty  of  intention  ;  but,  while  it  has  not  al- 
ways been  our  lot  to  see  eye  to  eye,  I  can  say  that  the 
friendship,  formed  in  my  youthful  days,  for  this  patriarch, 
has  never  diminished ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  has  waxed 
stronger  as  time  has  rolled  on,  and  year  has  been  added  to 
year. 

As  I  have  looked  around,  I  have  discovered  that  there 
are,  among  the  living,  only  one  or  two  persons,  besides  our 
dear  Friend,  who  were  members  of  the  Select  Yearly  Meet- 
ing of  friends  in  Philadelphia,  when  I  was  introduced  into 
that  body,  nearly  forty  years  ago.  Thu»  is  time  hastening 
on  in  its  flight,  and  ere  long  the  places  that  have  known 
us  and  the  duties  that  have  been  assigned  unto  us  will  fall 
to  the  lot  of  others. 


258 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


When  I  look  back  at  the  course  pursued  by  my  dear 
aged  friend — during  almost  half  a  century — and  remember 
his  fidelity  to  duty,  his  firmness  and  integrity  of  purpose 
in  the  plain  exemplification  of  that  which  he  deemed  right 
and  proper  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  religious  body 
that  he  had  been  appointed  to  represent — I  have  ever  found 
that  those  proceedings  in  which  he  has  concurred,  the  senti- 
ments which  he  has  expressed,  have  been  profitable  unto 
me.  I  have  received  benefit  from  those  evidences  which 
have  characterized  his  life. 

Now,  what  I  desire  for  you  who  are  to  come  after  him  is 
that  you  may  derive- instruction  from  his  example ;  that  you 
may — as  he  has  done — allow  your  hearts  to  come  under  the 
control,  the  government,  of  that  wisdom  which  is  from 
above  ;  that  it  may  be  your  director  in  all  things  ;  for,  after 
all,  though  we  may  make  use  of  all  the  means  that  the 
schools  afford,  in  storing  the  mind  with  such  knowledge  as 
appertains  to  and  fits  us  for  life;  yet  to  have  our  talents 
rightly  directed,  so  that  they  may  shine  as  our  Creator, 
in  conferring  them  upon  us,  designed  they  should,  it  is  es- 
sential that  we  allow  Him  to  be  the  Guide,  the  Director 
of  our  lives.  Nothing  short  of  this  can  qualify  any  man 
or  woman  properly  to  discharge  all  the  duties  that  belong 
to  this  state  of  b£ing;  and  my  own  experience  confirms 
me  in  the  belief  that  so  far  from  taking  from  us  any  legiti- 
mate enjoyment,  it  is  this  and  this  alone  that  can  prepare 
both  heart  and  mind  to  enjoy  all  that  is  good  in  this  life. 


THOUGHTS    ON    SPECIAL  TOPICS. 


259 


I  feel,  as  does  the  friend  [Eli  K.  Price]  who  preceded 
me,  that  it  is  a  great  privilege  to  be  here  to-day,  mingling 
with  friends  whom  I  have  long  known,  and  whose  names 
have  descended  to  them  from  those  who  were  steadfast  in 
'their  love  to  God  and  to  their  country.  How  strikingly  is 
this  love  exemplified  in  the  life  of  our  clear,  aged  friend ; 
not  only  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  but  also  in  his  build- 
ing on  a  sure  foundation,  and  conforming  his  will  to  the 
conditions  before  presented. 

If  this  land  of  ours  that  we  all  love  shall  continue  to  be 
a  beacon  light  to  the  nations  afar  off;  if  its  glory  is  to  re- 
main undiminished;  if  its  star  is  to  shine  on  with  unceasing 
splendor;  the  men  who  are  to  guide  it  in  the  States,  who 
are  to  be  found  in  the  legislative  halls,  its  lawgivers  and 
directors,  must  be  governed  by  that  principle,  that  power, 
to  which  I  have  alluded. 

When  we  look  back  and  trace  out  the  foundations  of  this 
Government,  when  we  go  back  to  the  beginning  and  con- 
template the  wisdom,  and  the  high  sense  of  justice  of  those 
men  and  women  who  crossed  the  Atlantic  and  landed  at 
Burlington — your  ancestors  and  mine — when  we  look  back 
and  see  the  fabric  they  reared  when  they  vested  the  power 
of  the  Government  in  the  people  ;  we  discover  that  then 
and  there  it  was  that  they  gave  forth,  for  that  little  colony, 
laws  which  had  on  them  every  impress  of  liberty,  and  which 
were  for  the  good  of  all  mankind.  No  man  was  to  be  in- 
carcerated— no  matter  how  grave  the  charge  against  him — 


260 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


without  a  trial  before  a  jury  of  twelve  of  his  neighbors;  and 
the  untrammeled  right  to  worship  Almighty  God  according 
to  the  dictates  of  his  own  conscience  was  secured  to  every 
one. 

"  Thus  they  laid,"  writes  one  referring  to  their  code,  "  a 
foundation  for  after  ages  to  understand  their  liberties  as 
men  and  Christians,  that  they  may  not  be  brought  into 
bondage  but  by  their  own  consent;  for  they  put  the  power 
in  the  people,  that  is  to  say,  to  meet  and  choose  one  man 
for  each  proprietary  who  had  subscribed  to  the  concessions. 
All  these  were  to  meet  as  an  assembly,  to  make  and  repeal 
laws,  to  choose  a  governor  or  a  commissioner  and  twelve  as- 
sistants to  execute  the  lawTs  during  their  pleasure,  so  that 
every  man  was  capable  to  choose  or  be  chosen." 

We  have  received  these  legacies  from  our  fathers  as  the 
original  laws  of  New  Jersey,  and  the  name  of  William  Penn 
is  attached  to  those  declarations  and  records  as  taking  a 
prominent  part  in  the  settlement  of  this  State,  as  he  did  in 
founding  the  province  of  Pennsylvania.  Therefore  if  you 
desire  to  see  those  principles  and  liberties  preserved,  you 
must  stand  up  for  the  right;  and  you  must  remember  also, 
that  there  is  not  anything  in  the  religion  of  your  fathers  that  with- 
holds or  relieves  you  from  the  discharge  of  your  duties,  both  civil 
and  political. 

Remember  this,  and  be  thankful  that  you  spring  from 
men  who  sacrificed  all  they  held  dear,  even  to  their  lives 
and  liberties,  in  order  to  maintain  the  rights  of  man,  and 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


261 


especially  the  great  principle,  that  men  should  be  permitted 
to  worship  God  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  con- 
sciences. 


CHAPTER  VIII 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


Account  of  a  Keligious  Visit  to  Southern  Quarter  and  its 
Branches,  Performed  in  Eleventh  Month,  1842. 

Believing  it  to  be  in  the  wisdom  of  God  that  his  children 
should  keep  an  account  of  his  dealings  with  them,  from 
time  to  time,  I  have  made  the  following  record.  Those  who 
are  to  come  after  us  may  find  instruction  and  encouragement 
in  going  over  the  lines  of  our  experience  and  seeing  how 
tenderly  the  Most  High  deals  with  his  children.  They  may 
also  learn,  not  only  that  He  has  power  to  bring  low,  but  also 
to  exalt,  and  that  now,  as  in  days  past,  He  will  be  "  mouth 
and  wisdom,  tongue  and  utterance"  to  his  dependent  little 
ones   

I  left  home  on  the  ninth  of  Eleventh  Month,  to  attend 
the  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  of  Abington  Quarter. 
This  was  the  first  Select  Quarter  that  I  ever  attended,  and 
it  pleased  the  Father  of  all  our  sure  mercies  to  extend  the 
overshadowing  influence  of  his  love  over  us,  whereby  we 
were  baptized  together  into  a  oneness  of  feeling.    Oh,  may 


262 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


the  disposition  be  more  cultivated  to  gather  into  this  in- 
ward, retired  state,  in  which  alone  we  can  have  access  unto 
our  Creator,  the  only  Fountain  of  light  and  life  !  On  the 
following  day  was  held  the  General  Quarterly  Meeting, 
which  was  eminently  favored,  particularly  the  meeting  for 
worship.  Although  there  was  but  little  said,  the  covering 
was  very  precious — yea,  the  silence,  the  feeling,  was  more 
precious  than  words. 

Having  obtained,  at  our  last  Monthly  Meeting,  a  minute 
to  visit  the  meetings  composing  Southern  Quarter,  as  way 
might  open,  I  was,  at  Horsham  (where  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing was  held),  joined  by  my  companion  and  dear  friend, 
John  C.  Lester.  We  proceeded  to  Abington,  where  we 
met  our  friend  and  co-worker,  Rowland  Johnson,  to  whom 
a  minute  had  been  granted  by  Abington  Monthly  Meeting 
to  travel  in  the  same  field  of  labor. 

Thus  we  left  Abington  and  proceeded  to  Philadelphia, 
where  we  remained  over  night  at  my  father's.  There 
seemed  to  be  much  interest  and  desire  felt  by  my  endeared 
parents  for  our  spiritual  welfare.  On  Seventh- day  morning, 
the  twelfth  of  the  month,  we  went,  with  our  horses  and 
wagon  on  board  the  steamboat,  which  took  us  to  Delaware 
City,  and  thence  we  drove  to  Appoquinomink,  arriving, 
before  nightfall,  at  the  house  of  our  friend,  John  Alston. 
We  found  him  alone,  being  a  bachelor,  and  his  housekeeper 
having  left  him,  but  we  and  our  horses  were  well  cared  for. 

On  First-day  morning  my  mind  was  much  bowed  under 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


263 


a  sense  of  the  weigbtiuess  of  our  undertaking,  and  the  earn- 
est breathing  of  my  soul  was,  that  the  Father  of  our  sure 
mercies  would  be  pleased  to  remember  his  little  ones — three 
young  people — and  keep  us  in  the  hollow  of  his  Holy  Hand ; 
that,  by  dwelling  in  the  valley  of  humility,  we  might,  in 
meeting  and  out  of  meeting,  be  kept  as  becomes  the  fol- 
lowers of  the  precious  Son  of  God;  that  the  lamb-like  spirit 
might  be  our  covering,  so  that,  though  required  to  be  wise 
as  serpents,  we  might  also  be  harmless  as  doves.  While 
dwelling  under  this  concern,  my  spirit  breathed  forth  the 
following  secret  aspiration,  Oh,  my  God,  may  Thou,  who 
hast  been  pleased,  in  days  past,  to  remember  thy  child,  be 
pleased  to  be  with  him  on  this  journey,  keeping  down  every 
feeling  and  desire  that  has  not  its  birth  in  thy  kingdom ! 
For  thy  cause's  sake,  oh,  Lord,  and  for  the  honor  and  glory 
of  thy  ever-blessed  name,  let  thy  light  shine  around  our 
path,  that  thereby  we  may  be  kept  from  straying — and 
unto  Thee  we  will  ascribe  all  glory,  honor,  thanksgiving 
and  praise,  now,  henceforth  and  forevermore. 

Eleventh  Month  13th.  First-day. — Attended  the  meeting 
at  Appoquinomink.  For  the  place,  it  was  a  large  gathering, 
and  ability  was  furnished  to  proclaim  the  everlasting  Word, 
although  there  appeared  much  coldness  and  apathy  on  the 
part  of  some.  Brother  Rowland  was  favored  to  speak  to 
some  spiritual  states  present,  and  the  meeting  closed  sol- 
emnly and  to  our  satisfaction.  Ma}'  all  honor  and  glory  be 
ascribed  to  Him  who  is  forever  worthy. 


264 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


In  the  afternoon  we  proceeded  on  our  journey,  and  went 
as  far  as  Michael  Offley's,  near  Smyrna,  where  we  tarried 
over  night. 

Second-day,  the  14th. — We  left  M.  O.'s  early  this  morn- 
ing, and  are  now  at  Jabez  Jenkins's,  at  Camden.  Thus  are 
we  favored  to  proceed,  relying  on  the  Great  Care-taker  for 
help  and  instruction,  believing  that,  as  there  is  an  abiding 
close  to  the  gift,  we  shall  be  able  to  know  and  to  keep  our 
proper  places.  At  Camden  Monthly  Meeting,  we  found 
that  the  wedge  of  gold  and  the  Babylonish  garment  had 
been  "  hid  in  the  earth  in  the  midst  of"  Achan's  tent,  even 
the  tents  of  some  who  compose  this  meeting.  The  call  was 
extended  that  they  should  give  up  these  hidden  things,  so 
that  the  people  should  not  be  detained.  There  were  pres- 
ent a  number  of  young  people,  and  the  Word  of  the  Lord 
was  to  them  in  an  especial  manner  calling  unto  them  to 
submit  their  necks  to  the  yoke  and  their  backs  to  the  bur- 
den, so  that  thereby  a  preparation  might  be  experienced 
that  would  enable  them  to  stand  as  testimony-bearers,  yea, 
as  standard-bearers  of  the  great  truth  of  the  immediate 
teachings  of  the  Father  unto  his  creature,  man,  and  of  the 
sufficiency  of  this  power  of  itself  to  lead  and  direct  into  all 
Truth. 

Returned  to  J.  J.'s  to  dine,  and  were  occupied  during  the 
afternoon  in  obtaining  information  relative  to  our  route ; 
also  in  writing  letters.  Previous  to  our  departure  we  were 
favored  to  draw  nigh  together  in  a  precious  opportunity 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


265 


with  the  family,  wherein  the  power  of  Truth  was  solemn- 
ized to  some  minds  present,  who  were  the  younger  mem- 
bers of  the  family.  The  wife  and  mother,  Patience  Jen- 
kins, is  a  precious  Friend,  being  concerned  for  the  advance- 
ment of  Truth.  Her  spirit  has  been  a  source  of  strength  to 
us  on  our  journey.  Oh,  saith  my  soul,  may  all  such  be 
strengthened  in  holding  up  the  precious  testimonies  of 
Truth  in  this  land,  for  few  do  we  find  among  Friends  who 
seem  to  have  the  cause  sufficiently  at  heart !  We  left  this 
house  with  our  spirits  bowed  unto  the  Father  of  mercies  for 
thus  condescending  to  be  with  his  poor,  dependent  ones, 
enabling  them  to  proclaim  his  precious  Word. 

From  Camden  we  went  a  short  distance,  to  the  home  of 
Warner  Mifflin,  a  son  of  the  Warner  Mifflin  who,  in  his 
day,  was  a  faithful  servant  of  his  Divine  Master.  Especially 
faithful  was  he  in  bearing  his  testimony  against  that  great 
evil  which  then  did,  and  which  yet  does,  cover  this  land, 
even  that  system  which  makes  man  like  unto  the  beast  that 
perishes,  a  chattel  to  be  bought  and  sold  by  his  brother-man. 
Man,  that  was  made  but  a  little  lower  than  the  angels, 
crowned  with  glory  and  immortality,  is  subject  to  enslave- 
ment because  he  belongs  to  the  African  race.  In  traveling 
through  this  State,  and  finding  the  feeling  that  exists — even 
among  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends — toward  this 
down-trodden  people,  my  soul  has  mourned.  The  whites 
seem  to  look  upon  them  as  creatures  made  to  labor,  to  be 
scolded  and  to  be  harshly  treated.  I  am  aware  that  much 
17 


266  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 

depends  on  our  environment,  and  hence  I  can  understand 
how  the  effect  of  this  system  upon  their  neighbors,  may 
have  had  its  influence  upon  Friends.  Nevertheless,  I  do  be- 
lieve that,  if  a  closer  attention  were  paid  to  the  Light  that 
we  profess  to  believe  in,  and  to  follow,  there  would  he  a 
coming  out  from  many  of  the  customs  that  cling  to  this 
institution.  Oh,  that  my  people  might  live  alone,  that  Is- 
rael might  come  out  from  the  abominations  of  the  land,  and 
be  a  people  zealous  of  good  works  ! 

In  this  neighborhood  I  was  bowed  in  spirit  under  a  great 
weight  of  exercise,  on  account  of  one  who  was  recently  dis- 
owned from  the  Society  of  Friends  for  the  use  of  ardent 
spirits.  Oh,  how  my  poor  soul  travailed  for  this  man,  who, 
in  an  outward  sense,  is  a  great  person  and  is  possessed  of  a 
vast  fund  of  knowledge !  We  had  a  religious  opportunity 
with  him,  in  which  we  were  favored  to  gather  into  silence, 
and  power  was  given  to  speak  the  truth  in  much  plainness. 
The  lofty  mind  was  humbled,  the  high  spirit  was  brought 
down,  and  tears  flowed  from  his  eyes.  Oh,  may  the  Lord 
still  continue  this  visitation  of  love  to  his  soul,  so  that  he 
may  yet  shine  as  a  light  in  the  firmament  of  celestial  bright- 
ness. 

Being  ready  to  leave  Camden  and  its  vicinity,  we  jour- 
neyed on  to  a  place  called  Wheatleysburg,  where  we  got 
something  for  ourselves  and  our  horses  to  eat.  Some  of  the 
country  through  which  we  passed  is  so  desolate  that  the 
land  is  too  poor  to  cultivate.    We  passed  through  several 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


267 


villages  and  at  length  arrived  at  the  house  of  William 
Maloney,  where  we  were  very  kindly  entertained.  Next 
morning  we  rode  twelve  miles,  to  North  West  Fork,  and 
attended  meeting  held  in  a  house  that  formerly  belonged  to 
the  Nicholites,  but  for  many  years  now  it  has  been  owned 
and  occupied  by  Friends.  A  Monthly  Meeting  is  held 
there.  The  meeting  was  small,  only  about  thirty  or  forty 
persons  present,  but  there  seemed  to  be  some  life  there,  and 
I  was,  in  much  humility,  favored  to  proclaim  the  ever- 
blessed  Truth  among  them.  The  business  meeting  was 
held  in  joint  session.  After  meeting  we  had  a  favored 
opportunity  at  the  house  of  a  Friend  named  Joshua  Noble, 
and  then  proceeded  to  Jacob  Leverton's,  where  we  lodged. 
His  wife  is  a  concerned,  lively  Friend,  who,  I  believe,  is 
earnestly  engaged  for  the  cause  of  Truth  and  righteousness. 
They  labor  under  many  difficulties  and  discouragements. 
They  live  seven  miles  from  meeting,  are  in  the  decline  of 
life,  and  Jacob  is  somewhat  feeble.  The  environment  of 
slavery  exerts  a  very  prejudicial  influence  in  these  parts 
against  the  cause  of  Truth,  as  Friends'  manners  are,  in  a 
measure,  conformed  unto  the  system.  Oh,  that  faithfulness 
were  abode  in  against  this  crying  evil  that  brings  desola- 
tion, both  spiritual  and  temporal,  upon  those  who  are  con- 
cerned in  it ! 

On  Fifth-day  morning  we  proceeded  toward  Third  Haven, 
and  arrived  there  in  time  for  meeting.  This  meeting  also 
is  small,  but  as  there  was  an  abiding  in  the  gift  a  qualitica- 


268 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


tion  was  experienced  to  bear  my  testimony  to  spiritual, 
silent  worship,  as  the  medium  through  which  God  com- 
munes with  his  rational  creature,  man.  Ability  was  fur- 
nished to  call  the  attention  of  the  people  to  this  testimony, 
feeling  that,  even  among  Friends,  there  is  too  little  faith  in 
this,  the  only  true  medium  by  which  the  Father  can  be 
worshipped.  At  this  place  we  stopped  at  the  house  of  a 
young  couple  where  the  wife  is  a  member,  and  the  husband 
interested  in  Friends.  They  seemed  very  glad  to  have  us 
with  them.  After  dinner  we  went  with  a  Friend  named 
Thomas  Hopkins,  to  his  house,  where  we  lodged,  and  next 
day  rode  to  the  home  of  John  Norris,  at  Cecil.  Much  of 
the  country  through  which  we  passed  bears  on  it  the  ap- 
pearance of  sterility.  Tbere  were  large  fields  some  of  which 
contained  more  than  one  hundred  acres  ;  and,  in  some  places 
the  public  road  was  obstructed  by  gates.  Villages  in  this 
country  are  scarce :  we  stopped  to  feed  our  horses,  at  one 
called  Church  Hill,  where  we  were  met  by  a  man  under  the 
influence  of  liquor,  whose  behavior  toward  us  was  very 
trying.  Finding  that  we  were  Pennsylvanians,  and  taking  it 
for  granted  that  we  were  Abolitionists,  he  attacked  us  with 
abusive  words,  and  defiantly  declared  that  he  would  know 
our  business.  We  abode  in  the  quiet,  and  said  not  one  word 
to  him,  except  at  parting,  when  we  bade  him  farewell.  Oh, 
how  thankful  I  felt  that  we  all  kept  quiet ;  it  was  silence  that 
preserved  us,  probably,  from  personal  injury !  Thus  have 
we  been  marvelously  kept  from  the  mouth  of  the  lion,  and 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


269 


the  paw  of  the  bear.  Thence,  we  proceeded  on  our  journey 
and  arrived  at  John  Morris's  before  sundown.  After  a  toil- 
some day  we  were  kindly  made  welcome  by  these  Friends. 
The  weather  last  night  and  to-day  has  undergone  a  great 
change,  and  it  is  now  quite  cold.  In  the  morning  we  went 
to  Monthly  Meeting  at  Cecil,  where  a  small  company  was 
gathered,  and  ability  was  furnished  to  preach  the  Gospel 
unto  them.  It  was  shown  that  the  reason  why  their  num- 
ber was  so  small,  and  there  was  so  little  life  among  them, 
was  on  account  of  their  lack  of  faith,  and  for  the  want  of 
abiding  in  and  under  the  light  of  Christ.  That  with  some 
there  was  too  much  dabbling  in  political  strife,  and  that 
they  were  too  busy  about  many  things.  It  appeared  that 
there  were  some  who  were  sensible  of  it,  and  felt  it  to  be 
so;  yes,  convinced  I  am  that  this  is  one  of  the  causes  of  the 
prevailing  dwarfishness  among  Friends,  not  only  in  these 
parts  but  elsewhere.  Having  so  much  to  do  with  the  world, 
its  ways  and  its  forms,  the  desire  for  popularity  and  self- 
aggrandizement,  has  destroyed  the  life ;  and  having  nothing 
else  to  stand  on  they  are  in  a  more  helpless  condition  than 
any  other  people,  thus  proving  that  we  cannot  serve  God 
and  mammon.  Other  denominations  of  professing  Christen- 
dom— not  claiming  that  they  wait  for  the  power  of  Truth  to 
direct  them — can  go  forward  in  their  work ;  and  so  we  see 
a  great  deal  of  labor,  and  apparently  many  gathered.  But, 
do  we  see  by  their  fruits  that  there  is  a  walking  as  Christ 
walked?    Do  we  see  that  humility  is  the  garment  with 


270 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


which  the  members  of  the  professing  religious  Church  are 
clothed  ?  Do  we  see  them  abounding  in  the  fruits  of  the 
spirit,  love,  joy,  peace,  holiness,  loving  their  neighbors  as 
themselves;  doing  justly,  loving  mercy,  and  walking  hum- 
bly before  God  and  man?  The  daily  lives  —  of  many  at 
least — will  hardly  give  an  affirmative  answer  to  these  queries. 
But  the  power  of  the  ever-blessed  Truth  remains  the  same, 
and  were  we  clothed  with  the  same  lamb-like  spirit  which 
characterized  the  blessed  Master  we  should  be  qualified,  as 
He  was,  to  be  faithful  to  our  calling  in  doing  the  Lord's 
will.  As  this  qualification  is  experienced,  as  men  are  faith- 
ful to  that  which  has  been  made  manifest ;  persuaded  I  am 
their  lives  will  be  useful,  and  their  light  will  so  shine  that 
others,  seeing  their  good  fruits,  will  be  led  to  glorify  God, 
our  Creator.  This  is  what  is  wanting;  living  faith;  and  if 
we  have  even  as  much  as  may  be  comparable  to  a  grain  of 
mustard-seed,  we  may  say  unto  this  mountain,  "  Be  thou 
removed,  and  be  thou  cast  into  the  sea,"  and  it  shall  be 
done. 

After  meeting  we  returned  to  J.  Norris's,  and  then,  in 
the  afternoon,  went  to  see  Sarah  Turner,  widow  of  Joseph 
Turner,  who  was  a  minister  of  the  Truth  in  this  neighbor- 
hood. She  is  bright  and  lively,  attends  meeting  regularly, 
and  has  her  domestic  concerns  well  regulated.  The  colored 
people  living  with  her  were  well  dressed  and  tidy ;  a  matter 
that  is  much  neglected  in  these  parts,  even  by  some  who 
make  a  profession  of  Christ.     Children,  small  and  large, 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


271 


boys  and  girls  who  have  to  perform  labor,  are  not  supplied 
with  good  warm  clothing;  and  I  fear  that  some  of  them 
have  not  the  same  kind  of  food  to  eat  as  is  served  to  their 
employers.  ISTow  this  is  not  in  accordance  with  the  religion 
of  Jesus  Christ,  which  I  believe  would  lead  us  to  treat  and 
to  feed  our  laborers  as  well  as  we  do  ourselves.  We  must 
love  mercy,  and  if  we  lack  this  we  lack  one  of  the  essen- 
tials of  the  Christian  character. 

Eleventh  Month  20th.  First-day.  —  Our  meeting  was 
large,  and  was  attended  by  many  professors  of  religion  who 
were  not  of  our  denomination.  There  seemed  to  be  great 
darkness  in  the  minds  of  the  people,  and  I  had  to  arise  with 
this  language  :  "  Darkness  covers  the  earth,  and  gross  dark- 
ness the  people;"  and  why?  for  the  reason  that  the  people 
"  love  darkness  rather  than  light,  because  their  deeds  are 
evil."  Power  was  given  to  show  whereof  the  darkness  con- 
sisted, that  it  was  because  their  dependence  was  outward ; 
that  they  were  like  the  blind  man  formerly;  but  that  there 
is  a  power  now,  that  is  able  as  it  was  in  the  days  of  Jesus 
upon  earth — as  there  is  faith  in  it,  and  willingness  to  be  led 
by  it — to  open  the  blind  eye,  that  has  been  closed  by  sin  and 
transgression.  They  were  told  that  the  Gospel  is  not  sec- 
tarian in  its  character,  but  that  all  sectarianism  is  opposed  to 
the  kingdom  of  Christ;  that  we  came  among  them  not  to 
call  to  any  sect,  but  to  the  baptism  of  Christ;  which  was 
not  an  outward,  elementary  one,  but  an  inward,  spiritual 
one.    There  seemed  to  be  a  willingness  to  hear  what  we 


272 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


might  have  to  communicate,  and  our  testimonies  were  borne 
against  all  oppression,  and  against  all  war  and  violence  as 
opposed  to  the  peaceable  kingdom  of  Christ.  I  was  led  to 
call  them  away  from  so  much  dependence  on  man,  and  to 
invite  them  to  the  fountain  of  Divine  life. 

We  took  dinner  at  James  Bowers's,  and  immediately 
after  started  for  Chestertown,  where  a  meeting  had  been 
appointed.  There  was  a  misunderstanding  with  regard  to 
the  time;  the  meeting  had  been  gathered  about  half  an  hour 
when  we  arrived.  "We  were,  however,  favored  to  gather 
into  silence,  and  my  mind  was  soon  clothed  with  feeling, 
and  ability  was  furnished  to  proclaim  to  the  people  the  ever- 
blessed  truths  of  the  Gospel.  There  were  no  Friends  present, 
save  the  few  that  came  along  with  us.  Oh,  how  my  mind 
was  enlarged  toward  this  company  of  strangers  and  how 
precious  was  the  feeling  that  covered  our  spirits !  After 
meeting  many  of  them  seemed  tender,  and  manifested  much 
feeling.  We  were  asked  if  we  could  not  stay  until  evening, 
and  preach  again  for  them.  We  told  them  we  could  not 
stay,  but  that  even  if  we  should  do  so,  we  could  not  promise 
to  preach  for  them. 

From  this  place  we  proceeded  down  to  Chester  ]S"eck,  and 
lodged  at  the  house  of  one  of  our  own  members.  Here  we 
were  favored  to  gather  into  silence,  and  the  word  of  the 
Lord  unto  our  host  was, "  Ye  have  made  my  Father's  house 
— which  should  be  a  house  of  prayer — a  den  of  thieves."  In 
the  morning  we  attended  meeting,  which  proved  to  be  the 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


273 


hardest  and  the  coldest  of  any  company  that  we  have  yet  met 
with.  The  building  is  in  a  very  dilapidated  condition,  the 
wall  being  cracked  open  several  inches,  from  the  roof  to  the 
floor ;  and  a  fire-place  in  one  corner  of  the  room  was  quite 
inadequate  to  warm  it.  The  physical  discomfort,  however, 
could  have  been  borne ;  but  the  house  was  a  true  index  to 
the  minds  of  the  people.  I  had  to  tell  them,  if  it  was 
words  they  were  seeking  for,  we  had  not  many  for  them ; 
but  that  they  must  make  an  acquaintance  for  themselves 
with  God,  their  Creator.  We  were  glad  to  return  from  this 
cold  place,  and  after  eating  our  dinner  we  rode  to  Center- 
ville,  the  county  seat  of  Queen  Anne's  County,  where  we 
had  a  meeting  in  the  Court  House.  This  is  a  neighborhood 
in  which  there  are  no  Friends,  and  we  found  it  to  be  a 
priest-ridden,  slave-holcliug  community,  and  the  sword  of 
the  Spirit  had  to  be  used,  to  the  cutting  asunder  between 
the  joints  and  the  marrow,  calling  the  attention  of  the  people 
to  the  gross  inconsistencies  of  the  Christian  Church,  many 
of  whose  ministers,  it  is  to  be  feared,  preach  for  hire  and 
divine  for  money,  though  the  Gospel  of  Christ  is  a  free 
Gospel,  preached  in  the  heart  of  every  rational  creature,  ir- 
respective of  color  or  clime.  It  was  also  presented  to  them 
that  all  wars  and  oppression  stand  opposed  to  the  peaceable 
kingdom  of  Christ;  that  slavery  and  injustice  stand  opposed 
to  the  peaceable  and  humane  doctrines  and  practices  of 
Jesus,  who  taught  his  disciples  to  do  justly,  to  love  mercy, 
and  to  walk  humbly  with  God,  as  was  said  by  the  prophet 
Micah. 


274 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


After  this  meeting  we  rode  seven  miles  to  the  house  of 
our  friend,  Thomas  Hopkins,  where  we  were  kindly  cared 
for,  and  ourselves  and  our  horses  made  comfortahle  after 
another  hard  day.  Our  friend,  T.  H.,  had  made  the  ar- 
rangements for  the  meeting  at  the  Court  House,  and  after- 
wards piloted  us  to  his  own  house.  On  Third-day  morning 
we  left  this  hospitable  abode,  and  went  to  Third  Haven, 
where  we  had  a  meeting  in  Friends'  Meeting-house  at  eleven 
o'clock.  This  proved  to  be  a  very  satisfactory  opportunity, 
and  the  language  of  encouragement  was  held  out  to  the 
beloved  youth.  An  invitation  was  extended,  and  the  power 
of  the  ever-blessed  Truth  seemed  to  reign  over  all,  to  the 
humbling  of  our  minds,  and  the  contriting  of  our  spirits 
before  the  Almighty  power  of  God.  Oh,  may  these  dear 
ones  be  strengthened  to  give  up  all  their  beloveds,  and  to 
stand  firm  in  the  liberty  of  the  children  of  God  !  Oh,  may 
the  Father  of  all  our  sure  mercies  extend  the  overshadowing 
wing  of  his  love  to  these,  that  thereby  the  waste  places  of 
our  Zion  shall  be  restored,  and  her  walls  built  up  !  We  re- 
turned to  's  to  dine,  and  had  some  conversation  with 

him  relative  to  his  holding  slaves.  He  seemed  tender  on 
the  subject,  and  disposed  to  do  right.  The  afternoon  was 
passed  in  writing  letters  in  reply  to  those  just  received  from 
home.  Our  families  were  all  well,  and  seemed  to  be  getting 
on  comfortably.  How  thankful  we  should  be  to  the  great 
Care-taker  for  his  superintending  care  over  them  and  our- 
selves. 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


275 


In  the  evening  we  had  a  meeting  at  Easton,  which  was 
small,  owing  in  part  to  there  not  having  been  sufficient 
attention  paid  to  giving  notice,  leaving  it  to  Friends,  etc. 
On  Fourth-day  .morning  we  started  for  the  Trap,  nine  miles 
from  Easton,  in  a  neighborhood  where  there  are  some 
Friends.  Here  we  had  a  meeting  composed  of  Friends  and 
others.  It  convened  at  eleven  o'clock,  in  the  Methodist 
Meeting-house,  and  a  very  comfortable  meeting  it  was. 
Truth  rose  into  dominion,  the  weak  were  comforted,  and 
unto  the  poor  the  Gospel  was  preached.  "We  dined  at  the 
house  of  Daniel  Bowers,  a  valued  Friend  who  has  been 
called  to  the  ministry;  and  who,  I  believe,  if  faithfulness  is 
abode  in,  will  stand  firm  for  the  testimonies  of  Truth,  and 
be  a  shining  light  in  his  neighborhood.  We  also  met,  at 
this  place,  James  Bartlett,  who  has  appeared,  vocally  at 
times,  in  the  assemblies  of  the  people,  and  who  is  a  shining 
light. 

We  next  proceeded  to  Cambridge  Ferry,  on  the  Choptank 
River,  opposite  to  Cambridge.  Leaving  our  horses  and 
carriage  at  the  Ferry,  we  took  a  sail-boat  to  go  across,  but 
owing  to  the  calm  we  had  to  depend  upon  the  oars  with 
which  the  boat  was  provided.  Arriving  at  Cambridge  about 
sun-down,  we  found  the  house  prepared,  and  at  the  ap- 
pointed hour  quite  a  number  of  people  gathered.  It  was 
the  first  Friends'  meeting  held  at  a  house  of  worship  in  this 
place,  and  much  prejudice  exists  in  the  minds  of  the  people 
against  "  the  Quakers."    As  we  were  favored  to  be  fools  in 


276 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


the  eyes  of  some,  but  strong  in  the  cause  of  Truth,  ability 
was  furnished  to  show  up  the  inconsistencies  of  the  Chris- 
tian Church,  and  the  simplicity  of  the  Truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus.  After  meeting  we  were  invited  by  some  who  were 
in  attendance  to  go  home  with  them  to  lodge;  but  we  felt 
most  easy  to  I'eturn  to  our  rooms  at  the  tavern.  Here  sev- 
eral came  in,  and  it  was  permitted  us  to  open  unto  them 
our  views  on  some  points.  We  found  much  prejudice  ex- 
isting in  the  minds  of  many  against  Friends;  and  they  could 
scarcely  believe  that  we  were  of  that  Society  ;  and  thus  it 
was  our  privilege  to  show  them  how  greatly  we  had  been 
misrepresented.  Oh,  how  darkness  covers  the  minds  of  the 
people  in  these  parts!  They  are  so  blinded  to  the  pure 
word  of  Divine  life,  that  they  look  to  their  teachers,  and  de- 
pend on  them  for  instruction  and  for  direction.  Thus  the 
blind  lead  the  blind,  and  both  fall  into  the  ditch. 

Having  cleared  ourselves  of  this  people,  we  returned  to 
the  ferry  on  the  opposite  shore.  Our  transit  this  time  was 
very  different  from  the  one  that  we  had  the  day  before.  In- 
stead of  a  calm  surface,  the  wind  had  arisen,  and  the  waves 
rolled  high.  The  white-caps  curled  their  crested  heads  over 
the  blue  waves.  Our  captain  was  an  aged  colored  man  who 
had  been  on  this  ferry  for  more  than  thirty  years,  and  he 
took  us  safely  over,  having  gone  into  the  mouth  of  a  creek, 
and  ascended  it  some  distance  before  we  could  land. 

Being  again  in  possession  of  our  horses  and  carriage,  we 
took  the  road  and  traveled  nine  or  ten  miles  to  James 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


277 


Maloney's,  where  we  were  kindly  entertained,  and,  after 
passing  several  hours  with  the  family,  we  proceeded  on  our 
journey.  We  crossed  the  Choptank  River  on  a  scow,  and, 
on  reaching  the  shallows  near  the  shore,  my  companions 
were  carried  on  the  backs  of  the  men,  who,  with  bare  feet 
and  rolled  pantaloons,  waded  to  the  dry  land.  I  rode  out 
on  one  of  the  horses.  Thus  have  we  been  enabled  to  get 
along  through  many  difficulties,  and  now  we  find  ourselves 
journeying  homeward  in  the  enjoyment  of  that  peace  which 
the  world  cannot  give,  neither  can  it  take  away.  It  was 
after  nightfall  when  we  arrived  at  Jonathan  Twiford's,  and 
we  felt  it  comfortable  to  be  in  the  society  of  such  valuable 
Friends.  The  wife,  Elizabeth  Twiford,  is  a  minister  in 
very  good  esteem.  Both  husband  and  wife  are  descendants 
of  the  Nicholites,  and  they  are  now  far  advanced  in  life  and 
much  enfeebled,  but  are  resting  in  the  hope  of  a  glorious 
immortality.  How  encouraging  it  is  to  see  those  whose 
earthly  lives  are  drawing  to  a  close,  abiding  their  time  and 
waiting  trustfully  till  their  change  shall  come.  Oh,  how  I 
desire  that  I  may  be  found  abiding  in  and  under  the  same 
Almighty  Power,  so  that,  when  done  with  time,  I  may 
have  the  blessed  assurance  of  a  happy  immortality !  We 
remained  with  these  Friends  over  night,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing attended  Marshy  Creek  Meeting,  and  a  precious  meet- 
ing it  was.  The  house  was  full,  many  of  the  company 
being  of  the  Methodist  persuasion,  and  the  power  of  the 
Everlasting  Word  was  proclaimed  in  their  hearing  to  the 


278 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


humbling  of  many  minds.  Oh,  how  comfortable  it  was  to 
my  mind  to  feel  this  precious  influence !  It  seemed  as 
though  I  could  not  leave  my  seat,  and  the  people  also 
seemed  to  be  much  under  this  precious  feeling.  In  the 
performance  of  our  duty  we  had  borne  our  testimonies 
against  the  great  inconsistencies  of  the  professing  Christian 
Church,  holding  up  the  purity  of  true  spiritual  worship,  as 
beautifully  exemplified  in  the  memorable  interview  of  the 
woman  of  Samaria  at  Jacob's  Well,  showing  that,  as  she 
was  willing  to  leave  all  and  to  obey  the  command  of  the 
Divine  Master,  she  became  also  a  preacher  of  the  Divine 
Word,  and  that  on  this  rests  the  true  qualification  of  a  min- 
ister of  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  This,  and  much  more,  was 
given  to  be  held  up  to  the  people,  and  it  seemed  as  if  a 
door  of  entrance  was  opened  into  their  hearts.  Oh,  saith 
my  soul,  that  the  Lord  may  pour  of  his  Spirit  on  his  sons 
and  his  daughters,  so  that  they  ma}7  know  a  qualification 
experienced  to  speak  boldly  for  the  cause  of  the  ever- 
blessed  Truth.  But  this  pouring  will  never  be  known  nor 
felt  only  as  we  are  willing  to  hearken  to  the  still,  small 
voice  that  has  been  known  as  a  swift  witness  for  Truth  in 
each  of  our  hearts.  For  thus  it  was  that  the  holy  men  and 
women  of  old  came  to  be  mighty  prophets  and  prophetesses 
in  the  land. 

It  was  thus  that  Moses  became  a  deliverer  of  his  breth- 
ren ;  it  was  thus  that  Joseph  was  made  the  instrument  in 
the  saving  of  his  father's  house ;  it  was  thus  that  Joshua 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


279 


was  made  willing  to  say,  "  Choose  you  this  day  whom  ye 

will  serve;  but  as  for  me  and  my  house,  we 

will  serve  the  Lord;"  it  was  through  this  that  David  was 
made  a  conqueror  over  the  enemies  of  Israel,  when,  dis- 
carding Saul's  armor,  and  with  naught  but  a  shepherd's 
sling  and  a  few  smooth  stones  chosen  from  the  running 
stream,  he  slew  the  mighty  Goliath  of  Gath;  it  was  through 
this  abiding  and  listening  that  Samuel,  when  but  a  child, 
was  called  to  bear  the  Lord's  testimonies,  unto  his  rebellious 
people ;  and  from  him  down  to  a  Daniel  and  a  Ruth  and 
the  many  servants  of  the  Lord,  even  down  to  his  Son, 
Jesus  Christ,  who,  though  a  Son,  was  obedient  in  all  things. 
And  now  we  are  called  to  follow  the  same  rule  and  to  walk 
in  the  same  way.  By  obedience  to  this  rule,  or  law,  Ste- 
phen was  enabled  to  bear  being  stoned  to  death,  and  many 
of  the  Lord's  dedicated  servants  in  that  day  and  since  have 
been  strengthened  to  endure  much  for  the  cause  of  Truth 
and  righteousness,  which  they  held  to  be  more  dear  than 
their  natural  lives.  And  we  find  that  the  operation  of  this 
power  was  not  confined  to  that  primitive  day,  but  that 
faithful  subjects  have  been  found  in  later  times,  for  we  see 
a  Fox,  a  Penn,  a  Burrow,  a  Scott  and  many  others,  willing 
to  suffer  persecution  for  the  cause  of  Truth,  in  their  day. 

After  this  favored  meeting  we  dined  near  the  meeting- 
house with  a  Friend  named  Corkin,  and  then  rode  a  few 
miles  to  Jonah  Kelly's,  where  we  stayed  over  night.  In 
the  afternoon  made  a  visit  to  a  poor  widow,  whose  husband 

r.  • 


280 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


had  died  very  suddenly  a  few  days  before.  How  my  heart 
was  drawn  into  feeling  for  this  lone  one,  who  so  lately  had 
been  enjoying  the  society  of  her  youthful  companion,  with 
their  first-born  at  their  side,  and  now  a  widow,  cast  upon  a 
cold  and  friendless  world.  The  consolation  of  the  Gospel 
was  held  out  to  her,  and  she  was  encouraged  to  put  her 
trust  in  Him  who  is  a  husband  to  the  widow,  a  father  to 
the  orphan  and  a  comforter  to  all  those  who  have  been  be- 
reft. She  is  not  a  Friend  by  profession,  but  we  felt  it  our 
duty  thus  to  visit  her,  and  we  were  satisfied  in  so  doing. 
The  evening  was  occupied  in  a  manner,  I  trust,  to  edifica- 
tion. 

On  Seventh-day  morning,  the  twenty-sixth,  we  rode  five 
miles  to  North  West  Fork  Meeting.  The  meeting-house 
here  was  formerly  owned  by  a  people  called  Nieholites,*  who 
were  very  plain  and  exemplary  in  their  habits,  and  after  the 
death  of  their  founder  they  joined  themselves  to  Friends. 
Here  we  had  a  large  meeting,  and  Truth's  power  was 
known  and  felt.  Thus  have  we  cause  to  rejoice  in  the 
power  of  the  Eternal  Truth,  that  has  so  marvelously  en- 
abled us,  while  among  this  people,  to  perform  our  duty, 
though,  at  times,  in  much  weakness  and  bowedness  of 
spirit.  May  all  honor  and  praise  be  ascribed  to  Him  who 
alone  is  worthy.  After  meeting  we  returned,  by  the  road 
we  came,  to  the  house  of  a  Friend  who  has  an  aged  and 

*  An  interesting  account  of  the  Nicholites  may  be  found  in  "  Friends'  Mis- 
cellany," Vol.  IV. 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


281 


greatly  afflicted  mother.  She  is  quite  feeble,  and  has  for 
several  years  been  suffering  with  a  cancer  of  the  eye.  We 
had  a  very  solemn  and  refreshing  opportunity,  in  which  we 
were  favored  with  the  renewed  presence  of  the  Master  of 
Assemblies,  who  was  pleased  to  tender  our  hearts  and  unite 
our  spirits,  so  that  we  were  enabled  to  give  thanks  and  to 
ascribe  praises  unto  Him  who  has  been  pleased  to  be  with 
and  to  remember  his  little  dependent  ones.  Surely  this 
was  a  brook  to  the  weary  traveler  on  his  way,  surrounded 
as  it  is  by  trials  and  deep  exercises.  After  this  opportunity 
we  retraced  our  steps  to  Nathan  Corkins,  where  an  evening 
meeting  had  been  appointed,  and  a  very  memorable  one  it 
proved  to  be.  There  appeared  to  be  nearly  two  hundred 
persons  present,  the  sexes  being  about  equally  divided,  and 
some  of  them  had  come  from  five  to  eight  miles  to  attend 
the  meeting.  My  mind  was  drawn  into  deep  exercise  and 
travail  of  spirit,  and  the  blessed  Master  was  pleased  to  be 
near  and  to  cover  us  with  his  mantle.  I  arose,  with  the 
observation  that,  from  the  feeling  that  covered  my  mind, 
and  from  the  precious  covering  which  was  spread  over  us, 
it  was  evident  that  the  Great  Shepherd  was  here  in  our 
very  midst,  that  the  people  of  Nineveh  had  repented  at  the 
preaching  of  Jonah,  and  that  a  greater  than  Jonah  was  here 
in  our  very  midst ;  yes,  standing  among  us,  ready  to  teach 
and  to  direct  his  children  in  the  way  that  they  should  go. 
My  tongue  seemed  to  be  loosened  by  the  power  of  Truth, 
and  in  a  marvellous  manner  was  ability  furnished  to  pro- 

18 


282 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


claim  the  Word  of  the  Lord  among  them.  My  companion 
also  had  acceptable  service,  and  the  meeting  ended  in  good 
savor. 

We  remained  over  night  at  Friend  Corkin's,  and  in  the 
morning,  First-day,  rode  fourteen  miles  to  the  house  of 
William  Maloney,  where  we  stopped  and  left  our  horses,  and 
went  on  foot  to  Center  Meeting.  Although  the  weather  was 
cold  and  windy,  the  house  was  soon  full.  Among  those 
assembled  were  many  people  of  color,  and  they  were,  most 
of  them,  well  dressed  and  very  orderly  in  their  deportment. 
My  mind  was  drawn  to  call  attention  to  the  day,  it  being 
what  is  termed  by  many  of  the  professing  Christian  people 
the  Sabbath  day.  I  was  abilitated  to  show,  to  the  relief  of 
my  own  mind,  that  the  mere  assembling  ot  ourselves  to- 
gether, or  the  mere  abstaining  from  outward  labor,  never 
has  been,  and  never  can  be,  the  keeping  of  the  Lord's  Sab- 
bath. The  Sacred  History  gives  evidence  that,  although 
thus  kept  with  punctilious  exactness,  it  did  not  please  the 
Lord  ;  for  behold,  in  time,  the  flood  swallowed  all,  save 
righteous  Noah  and  his  family.  I  was  led  to  show  forth 
the  views  that,  we,  as  a  people  hold,  that  we  should  consider, 
not  only  one  day  in  seven  as  holy,  but  that  all  are  worthy  of 
heing  so  regarded,  and  that,  before  we  can  come  to  know  a 
keeping  of  the  true  Sabbath  of  the  Lord,  we  must  know  a 
cessation  from  all  sin,  from  all  our  own  willings  and  run- 
nings. 

After  meeting  we  returned  to  the  hospitable  home  of 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


283 


William  Maloney,  where  we  dined,  and  then  proceeded  on 
our  journey.  In  the  evening  had  a  meeting  appointed  in  a 
Methodist  meeting-house  at  Denton,  the  county  seat  of 
Caroline  County.  Arriving  at  the  place  before  dark,  we 
put  up  our  horses  and  had  them  fed,  and  we  ourselves  par- 
took of  the  hospitality  of  a  kind  young  man  and  his  wife, 
who  did  all  in  their  power  to  make  us  comfortable.  The 
meeting  .was  a  satisfactory  one  to  me,  evidence  being  fur- 
nished that  there  were  minds  willing  to  receive  the  truths 
that  were  declared  in  their  hearing.  Some  Friends  reside  in 
the  vicinity  of  this  town,  and  there  is  a  house  near  in  which 
they  hold  their  meetings.  We  went  home  with  Samuel 
Dunning,  where  we  lodged  and  were  kindly  entertained. 

Second-day,  28th. — We  started  this  morning  toward  the 
Quarterly  Meeting,  which  is  to  be  held  this  week.  Leaving 
the  State  of  Maryland  and  entering  Delaware,  we  traveled 
on  till  we  arrived  at  Henry  CowTgill's,  where  we  dined, 
and  then  proceeded  to  Camden,  where  we  stopped  at  the 
house  of  Isaac  Dolby.  All  the  household  were  very  kind 
to  us.  Oh,  it  is  a  great  privilege  to  enjoy  that  freedom 
which  gives  us  a  home-feeling  at  the  houses  of  our  friends, 
when  we  are  wayfarers  and  far  distant  from  our  own  homes ! 
Surely  thus  it  should  be,  and  were  there  more  abiding  at. 
the  Fountain  of  Divine  life  this  feeling  would  be  better 
known  and  more  felt  among  us.  Yea,  we  should  be  knit 
together  by  an  indissoluble  band  which  could  not  be  sev- 
ered save  by  the  hand  of  death. 


284 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Here  we  received  letters  from  home,  informing  us  of 
their  being  all  well.  Oh,  how  thankful  we  should  be  for 
the  favors  dispensed,  and  how  willing  we  should  be  to 
spend  and  be  spent  in  the  ever-blessed  cause  of  Truth  and 
righteousness !  My  heart  overflows  with  gratitude  unto 
the  Author  of  my  being  for  thus  aiding  us  and  providing 
us  with  all  needful  things.  We  have  all  had  excellent 
health  and  have  been  favored  to  move  along  in  harmony,  so 
that  I  believe  we  can  unite  in  saying  it  has  been  good  for 
us  to  be  here,  for  we  have  been  strengthened  together  and 
united  more  and  more  in  love  to  one  another. 

Third-day,  29th. — Left  Camden  in  the  morning  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Little  Creek,  where  the  Quarter  is  to  be  held, 
the  Select  Meeting  being  to-day.  Here  we  met  with  our 
friend  and  elder  brother  in  the  Truth,  George  Truman, 
who  is  on  a  religious  visit  to  the  meetings  composing  this 
Quarter.  He  had  good  service  here,  and  it  appeared  to  be 
my  duty  to  stir  up  Friends  to  increasing  faithfulness.  The 
meeting  was  a  comfortable  one,  and  the  presence  of  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church  was  felt  and  his  power  seemed 
to  cover  our  minds.  We  were  entertained  at  the  house  of 
Michael  Offley,  Jr.,  where  we  tarried  over  night,  and  in 
the  evening  had  a  very  comfortable  sitting  in  the  family. 
There  were  several  young  people  present,  and  to  one  young 
woman,  in  particular,  the  Word  of  the  Lord  seemed  to  be 
directed,  and  her  attention  was  called  to  the  preparation 
that  the  clay  undergoes  before  it  is  fitted  for  the  use  of  the 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


285 


potter,  then  its  being  moulded  into  a  vessel,  and  the  various 
processes  which  it  passes  through — the  drying  and  glazing 
and  burning — were  shown,  as  beautifully  illustrative  of  the 
states  which  the  mind  has  to  undergo  in  being  prepared  as  a 
vessel  of  honor  in  the  Lord's  house,  and  then,  after  all  these 
processes  have  been  passed  through,  it  only  stands  ready  for 
use. 

Fourth-day,  Eleventh  Month  30th. — This  day  attended  the 
Southern  Quarterly  Meeting.  The  weather  was  very  stormy, 
which  occasioned  much  suffering  for  the  poor  horses,  there 
being  no  sheds  or  shelter  provided  for  them.  Does  not  true 
religion  teach  us  to  be  kind  to  all  the  creation,  and  is  it  not 
a  truth  that  "a  merciful  man  is  merciful  to  his  beast?"  This 
was  a  favored  meeting.  Our  friend,  George  Truman,  was 
enabled  to  open  and  enlarge  upon  the  Truths  of  the  Gospel. 
We,  too,  endeavored  to  do  our  duty,  and  I  felt  my  mind 
drawn,  in  a  plain  way,  to  remind  Friends  of  the  duties  they 
owed  to  their  children,  of  bringing  them  to  meeting,  &c, 
and  not  only  to  their  children,  but  to  those  they  had  the 
care  of,  regardless  of  the  complexion;  also,  of  being  more 
careful  of  their  cattle,  not  depending  entirely  upon  boys  or 
hired  men,  but  giving  attention  to  the  matter  themselves. 
For  want  of  this  care,  I  believe,  much  suffering  is  occa- 
sioned, and  some  poor  animals  die  from  lack  of  proper  atten- 
tion. This  is  a  matter  that  is  too  much  neglected  in  these 
parts,  and,  if  Friends  are  faithful  in  doing  their  duty  to  the 
dumb  creation,  they  will  set  a  good  example  to  their  neigh- 


286 


LIFE    OP    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


bors.  True  religion  is  a  vital  principle,  and  its  effects  upon 
the  individual  will  be  seen  and  known  by  others.  It  will 
teach  us  justice,  mercy,  humanity,  forbearance,  brotherly 
kindness  and  charity. 

We  returned  to  Manlove  Hayes's,  where  we  remained 
over  night;  next  day  attended  the  Youth's  Meeting.  This, 
also,  was  a  favored  time,  and  the  stream  of  Divine  love 
tiowed  freely,  to  the  watering  of  many  minds.  Oh,  it  was 
a  refreshing  season !  The  Word  of  the  Lord  was  shown  to 
be  "  sharp,  and  sharper  than  a  two-edged  sword,"  etc.  May 
all  pi-aise  be  ascribed  unto  Him  who  alone  is  worthy.  After 
meeting  we  went  to  Sarah  Cowgill's.  She  is  a  mother  in 
our  Israel,  and,  as  she  had  been  an  intimate  friend  of  my 
grand-parents,  William  and  Susanna  Levick,  she  gave  me 
a  short  memoir  of  them,  written  by  herself. 

In  the  evening  we  attended  a  meeting  at  Dover.  It  was 
appointed  by  George  Truman,  and  was  held  in  the  State 
House.  To  my  mind,  it  was  a  favored  time.  I  felt  drawn 
into  much  exercise  and  travail  of  soul,  and  was  led,  in  the 
early  part  of  the  meeting,  to  remind  the  people  that  God 
was  to  be  worshipped,  not  only  in  houses  erected  for  that 
express  purpose,  but  that,  anywhere  and  everywhere,  when- 
ever the  mind  was  brought  into  a  state  of  humility  and 
bowedness  'of  soul,  worship  might  be  performed,  and  though 
we  recommended  and  practised  attending  places  for  Divine 
worship,  yet  it  was  not  necessary  to  go  to  these  houses  to 
hear  the  Gospel  preached.    The  blessed  Son  of  God  showed 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


287 


this  in  his  character  and  in  his  labors  among  the  people. 
The  memorable  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  wherein  He  pro- 
nounced the  several  beatitudes,  was  delivered,  not  in  a 
gaudy  church,  so  called,  decked  and  adorned  with  velvet 
and  fine  paintings,  and  filled  with  the  music  of  the  organ. 
No !  Upon  the  unchiseled  rock  He  stood  for  his  pulpit, 
with  the  blue  vault  of  the  heavens  for  his  canopy,  and  with 
no  other  music  than  the  winds,  as  they  passed  through  the 
cedar  and  fir  tree,  and  sweeping  down  the  mountain  side, 
carried  to  the  assembled  multitude  the  harmony  of  heaven's 
own  temple.  There  stood  the  Man  of  Nazareth  and  pro- 
claimed those  glorious  truths,  such  as  had  never  before 
fallen  from  human  lips.  And  were  they  human  lips?  Yes, 
they  were  a  part  of  that  body,  human  and  Divine,  on  which 
had  descended  the  Spirit,  like  a  dove  (the  emblem  of  inno- 
cency  and  love);  and  thus  qualified,  He  spake  as  never  man 
spake,  pronouncing  the  blessing  of  heaven  on  those  who 
were  found  loving  the  Lord — bearing  testimony  to  the  pur- 
ity, the  peaceableness  of  the  dispensation  which  He  came  to 
usher  in  and  to  which  He  called  the  people.  And  not  only 
on  the  mountain,  but  on  the  briny  deep  stood  the  blessed 
Son  of  God,  that  meek  and  holy  Lamb,  and  from  those 
same  lips  declared  the  Truth  to  fallen  man.  Now  let  us 
compare  these  surroundings  and  this  teaching  with  the 
costly  edifices  called  churches  and  with  the  received  opin- 
ions that  abound  in  the  professing  Christian  world. 

Thus  was  I  abilitated  to  hold  up  the  omnipotence  and 


288 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


omnipresence  of  the  Lord,  his  Spirit  filling  all  space,  like- 
wise the  heart  of  man  if  willing  to  receive  Him  in  the  way 
of  his  comirfg.  George  followed,  and  was  much  favored  in 
presenting  to  view  the  simple  doctrines  that  we,  as  a  people, 
hold.  At  the  close  of  the  meeting  we  felt  satisfied  with  our 
labors,  and  parted  with  our  dear  friend  George,  he  pursuing 
his  journey  one  way,  and  we  ours  the  other.  We  returned 
to  Camden,  and,  on  the  following  morning,  in  company 
with  Isaac  Dolby,  started  for  Milford,  where  we  arrived 
about  noon.  We  stopped  at  the  house  of  an  ancient  Friend, 
named  Oliver,  the  only  family  of  Friends  residing  in  the 
place.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  religious  opportunity  with 
this  family,  and,  oh,  what  deep  and  trying  seasons  the  poor 
soul  has  to  pass  through  in  these  precious  opportunities — 
for  precious  I  have  felt  them  to  be,  although  under  much 
suffering!  In  this  instance  it  appeared  that  the  word  of 
the  Lord  was  to  one  who  was  not  present  with  us,  but 
whom  I  felt  I  could  almost  speak  to,  witbout  seeing;  and 
without  any  outward  knowledge  of  his  being  in  an  adjoin- 
ing room,  I  felt  that  I  would  have  him  invited  in.  I  found 
him  there,  and  had  to  proclaim,  in  great  fear  and  trembling, 
the  mighty  word  of  God  unto  him.  The  man  is  not  a 
member  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  After  this  memorable 
opportunity  we  went  to  a  meeting  which  (previous  to  our 
arrival  in  Milford)  had  been  appointed  for  us,  in  the  Meth- 
odist Meeting-house.  There  were  many  present,  and,  with 
some,  there  was  much  openness.    To  me  it  was  a  solemn 


RELKJIOUS  VISITS. 


289 


and  interesting  time,  for  the  influence  of  Divine  love  was 
felt  to  be  over  the  assembly.  The  minister  was  very  kind 
to  us,  but  I  felt  much  shut  up  when  in  his  company,  for  I 
could  not  find. much  congeniality  of  feeling  with  him  as  re- 
gards true,  vital  religion,  though  he  had  been  a  birth-right 
member  of  the  Society  of  Friends. 

On  the  following  morning  we  left  Milford,  and  before 
noon  arrived  at  Camden,  where  we  were  again  favored  with 
letters  from  home,  and  were  made  thankful  that  our  fami- 
lies were  getting  along  so  well  in  our  absence.  Surely  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  is  directing  us,  and  He  will  not  allow  his 
dependent  ones  to  want  long,  but  He  will  satisfy  them  with 
living  bread  that  comes  from  his  holy  habitation,  and  nour- 
ishes the  soul  up  to  everlasting  life.  This  being  First-day, 
we  attended  Camden  meeting,  and  had  expected  to  hold  an 
appointed  meeting  at  Dover  in  the  afternoon  or  evening. 
But  this  expectation  was  not  to  be  verified.  At  the  meeting 
held  in  the  State  House  on  the  previous  Fifth-day  evening, 
our  friend,  George  Truman,  in  bearing  his  testimony  against 
original  sin,  had  used  some  expressions  that  the  high  pro- 
fessors did  not  like,  and  they  denounced  his  doctrine  by 
calling  it  hard  names.  Owing  to  the  ill-feeling  of  these 
people,  and  to  a  want  of  faith  on  the  part  of  Friends,  we 
were  prevented  from  having  our  meeting.  But  feeling  that 
the  burden  did  not  rest  upon  ourselves,  we  passed  on,  and 
went  to  Little  Creek  that  evening.  On  the  day  following 
we  visited  at  the  houses  of  several  Friends,  and  were  kindly 


290 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


cared  for  by  our  friend,  John  Cowgill.  In  the  evening  we 
attended  a  meeting  at  Leipsic,  appointed  for  us  in  the  Meth- 
odist meeting-house.  My  mind  was  led  into  a  view  of  the 
true  and  only  qualification  of  a  Gospel  minister,  showing 
unto  the  people  that  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  this  only, 
can  qualify  for  so  important  a  work  and  service,  and  that 
the  minister  must  show  forth,  by  his  life  and  conversation, 
the  purity  of  the  Truth.  After  I  had  taken  my  seat  there 
was  much  stillness  and  solemnity  for  a  time,  and  then 

brother  R  arose,  and,  though  the  doctrines  advanced 

were  true  of  themselves,  some  of  the  hearers  became  dissat- 
isfied and  left  the  house,  so  that  the  meeting  did  not  end 
satisfactorily. 

On  the  following  morning,  Third-day,  the  sixth  of  Twelfth 
Month,  we  went  to  Smyrna  and  had  a  meeting,  which  was 
the  smaUest  that  we  have  attended  since  we  left  home.  I 
had  a  short  testimony  to  deliver  for  the  encouragement  of 
one  or  more  to  faithfulness  in  the  duty  assigned  them,  even 
though  it  may  be  greatly  to  the  humbling  of  the  creature, 
for  this  is  the  operation  of  the  Truth,  to  humble  the  man 
and  to  exalt  the  Spirit  of  God  in  him.  After  dinner  we 
rode  twelve  miles  to  Millington,  where  we  had  a  meeting 
in  a  Friends'  meeting-house,  though  the  meeting  has  gone 
down  for  lack  of  members  to  .attend  it.  We  had  a  comfort- 
able sitting,  and  it  ended  in  good  savor.  We  tarried  here 
over  night,  and  in  the  morning  started  toward  home,  arriv- 
ing at  John  Allston's  about  noon,  and  having  a  meeting  in 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


201 


the  Methodist  meeting-house  at  Middletown  in  the  evening. 
This  was  our  last  meeting  previous  to  getting  to  our  homes, 
and  in  it  we  were  renewedly  favored  to  experience  the  over- 
shadowing influence  of  his  power  who  has  been  pleased  to 
be  with  us  throughout  our  journey,  strangers  in  a  strange 
land.  And  here,  at  the  close  of  our  labors,  the  presence  of 
this  Power  was  felt  to  cover  the  assembly  and  to  salute  my 
own  mind  with  the  welcome  language  of  "Well  done,  good 
and  faithful  servant,  ....  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of 
thy  Lord."  My  soul  is  filled  with  thankfulness  for  the 
preservation  that  we  have  experienced.  It  has,  indeed, 
seemed  marvelous,  for  oft-times  I  have  had  to  use  the 
battering-ram  against  their  "  enclosed  cities,"  and  yet  have 
not  been  wounded  by  any  of  their  spears,  though  I  have 
had,  many  times,  for  the  cause  of  Truth,  to  appear  as  a 
fool  in  the  eyes  of  the  people.  And,  now  that  our  labors 
among  these  people  are  over,  I  can  look  back  with  a  feeling 
of  satisfaction  that  I  have  been  with  them,  and  I  am  fully 
assured  that,  if  faithfulness  is  abode  in,  there  will  be  raised 
up  "judges  as  at  the  first,  and  counselors  as  at  the  begin- 
ning," who  will  build  up  the  waste  places  of  Zion  and  make 
whole  the  breaches  in  her  walls.  Oh,  the  joy  my  poor  soul 
feels !  It  is  such  as  the  world  cannot  give,  neither  can  it 
take  it  away.  Precious  privilege !  It  is  worth  ten-fold 
more  toil  and  privation  than  have  been  ours  to  endure  in 
obtaining  it. 

We  returned  to  J.  Allston's,  where  we  remained  over 


•2!>2 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


night,  and  on  Fifth-day  morning  left  for  home.  In  the 
evening,  after  a  toilsome  day's  journey,  we  arrived  at  the 
village  of  Darby,  Pa.,  and  received  a  hearty  welcome  from 
our  valued  friends,  John  Andrews  and  family,  with  whom 
we  stopped  for  the  night.  On  Sixth-day  morning  we  went 
to  Philadelphia,  where  I  found  my  father's  family  not  very 
well,  but  all  glad  to  see  us  return.  Even  my  dear  little 
daughter  seemed  glad  to  see  me,  and  I  can  truly  say  the 
joy  was  mutual,  for  I  feel  her  to  be  the  closest  object  linked 
to  my  heart.  Precious  babe !  May  heaven's  protective 
wing  be  thy  protection,  and  carry  thee  safely  through  this 
state  of  being. 

My  companion,  John  C.  Lester,  had  been  separated  from 
his  family  four  weeks — a  long  time  for  him — and  he  was 
desirous  to  hasten  homeward.  I,  too,  wanted  to  see  my 
home  and  my  friends,  so  our  stay  at  father's  and  with  my 
dear  babe,  was  quite  short.  In  the  afternoon  we  left  the 
city  and  journeyed  northward  to  the  home  of  Job  Mather, 
the  brother-in-law  of  my  companion.  Here  it  appeared  as 
if,  in  truth,  we  were  nearing  home.  Oh,  what  a  solace  to 
the  mind  thus  to  meet  with  those  who  can  enter  into  sym- 
pathy with  us  in  our  trials  and  baptisms.  Such  I  felt  we 
met  in  this  family,  whose  widowed  mother  has  known  by 
experience  what  it  is  to  endure  suffering,  having  been 
almost  helpless  for  many  years,  yet  bearing  her  affliction 
with  much  patience  and  resignation. 

On  Seventh-day  morning,  the  tenth  of  Twefth  Month, 


RELKilOUS  VISITS. 


293 


we  started  for  our  homes,  which  we  reached  soon  after 
noon.  My  dear  companion  and  myself  found  all  well  in 
our  households,  and  very  glad  to  embrace  us  in  that  love 
which  emanateth  from  God,  the  Eternal  Father  of  light 
and  love.  Truly,  it  is  with  gratitude  that  my  soul  is  bowed 
unto  Thee,  oh,  Lord,  for  thy  providential  care  over  thy 
child,  in  great  degree  preserving  him  from  right-hand  and 
from  left-hand  errors.  And  may  the  tribute  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving  be  ascribed  unto  Thee,  now,  henceforth  and 
forevermore.    Amen ! 

[The  following  Epistle  having  its  origin  in  a  concern  that 
impressed  the  mind  of  our  friend  after  the  foregoing  jour- 
ney seems  to  belong,  as  a  sequel,  to  his  account  of  the  visit.] 

An  Epistle  to  North  West  Fork  Monthly  Meeting  of 
Friends  in  Maryland. 

Richland,  Penn'a,  Fourth  Month  '2nd,  1843. 
Beloved  Friends : — My  mind  has  been  often  drawn  toward 
you,  since  my  return  from  your  neighborhood,  and  par- 
ticularly has  it  been  at  this  time,  with  fervent  desires  for 
your  growth  and  preservation  in  spiritual  things. 

And  this  growth  that  is  spoken  of,  is  it  not  from  that  of 
a  child  unto  that  of  a  young  man,  unto  that  of  a  strong  man, 
even  unto  that  of  a  pillar  in  the  Lord's  house  that  can  go 
no  more  out?  Ye  who  are  fathers  and  mothers  answer; 
for  he  who  addresses  you  feels  as  a  child.  The  growth  of 
the  Divine  birth  in  the  soul — this  very  important  process 


294 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


which  must  be  known  to  go  on,  bringing  every  thought  and 
desire  into  subjection — is  what  should  be  most  diligently 
sought  after;  and  the  Apostle  Paul  told  the  Galatians  how 
it  might  be  attained,  also  what  course  would  not  attain  it, 
when  he  said  "For  he  that  soweth  to  his  flesh  shall  of  the 
flesh  reap  corruption ;  but  he  that  soweth  to  the  Spirit  shall 
of  the  Spirit  reap  life  everlasting." 

Now  this  is  the  way,  dearly  beloved,  wherein  we  must 
walk  to  win  Christ,  if  our  hearts  have  been  united  unto 
Him  through  the  overshadowing  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
the  Babe  immaculate  has  been  born  in  us — this  is  the  way 
that  He  can  grow,  this  is  the  way  that  He  alone  can  have 
the  government  of  our  lives;  by  our  not  sowing  unto  the 
world  those  blessed  gifts  and  endowments  which  a  bountiful 
Father  has  blessed  us  with ;  but  by  using  them  as  He  de- 
signed they  should  be  used.  Are  we  not  sowing  to  the 
world,  when  we  use  our  endowments  only  in  the  advance- 
ment of  its  kingdoms,  in  the  accumulation  of  its  riches,  in 
the  love  of  its  titles  or  of  its  applause,  in  conforming  unto 
its  customs,  its  fashions,  or  its  religion  ;  and  if  we  thus  sow 
— thus  use  our  talents — shall  we  not  of  the  world  reap  cor- 
ruption '!  But  if,  on  the  contrary,  we  use  our  abilities  as 
they  should  be  used,  in  visiting  the  wTidow  and  the  father- 
less— all  the  afflicted — and  keeping  ourselves  unspotted  from 
the  world  ;  in  turning  a  deaf  ear  to  the  voice  of  the  tempter, 
and  being  like  Moses  who — though  brought  up  in  the  house 
of  Pharaoh,  and  styled  the  son  of  Pharoah's  daughter — pre- 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


295 


ferred  "  rather  to  suffer  affliction  with  the  people  of  God 
than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season  :" — if  we  are 
thus  willing  rather  to  suffer  with  the  Seed  than  to  enjoy 
the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season  (and  they  are  poor  at  best, 
and  only  for  a  season)  we  shall  know  a  growth  in  the  Divine 
stature ;  for  by  partaking  of  the  pure  milk  of  the  word  a 
strength  will  be  given  that  will  enable  us  to  lay  aside  the 
sins  that  do  so  easily  beset  us — be  these  of  whatever  charac- 
ter they  may — and  to  "  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize 
of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Oh !  my  dear  friends,  ye  know  not  the  tender  solicitude, 
the  love,  that  is  felt  for  you  by  a  brother  who,  although 
poor  and  weak,  feels  his  heart  to  glow  with  love  and  fervent 
desires  for  your  everlasting  welfare;  you  whom  1  address  as 
children  in  the  Truth — for  I  believe  you  feel  yourselves  as 
such — hold  fast  the  profession  of  your  faith  without  waver- 
ing; let  not  heights,  depths,  things  present,  or  things  to 
come,  separate  you  from  the  love  of  God,  and  from  "  the 
word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to  build  you  up,  and  to  give 
you  an  inheritance  among  all  them  which  are  sanctified." 

Ye  who  have  already  turned  from  the  world  and  its  ways, 
look  not  back :  remember  Lot's  wife,  how  she  was  trans- 
formed into  a  pillar  of  salt — comparable  to  a  stationary  state 
— for  ye  are  fleeing  from  spiritual  Sodom ;  ye  have  been 
called  to  flee  from  the  destruction  that  awaits  those  who 
have  shut  their  ears  from  hearing  the  voice  of  the  Lord, 
and  who  are  walking  in  wickedness,  having  their  hands 


296 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


stained  with  oppression.  These  are  robbing  the  poor  of  his 
wages,  and  keeping  back  the  hire  of  the  laborer,  whose  cries 
have  reached  the  ears  of  the  Lord  of  Sabaoth ;  and  ye  are 
called  upon  to  be  faithful  in  bearing  your  testimony  against 
their  abominations,  which  are  so  grievous  in  the  sight  of 
the  Lord. 

Ye  travelers  Zionward,  continue  to  keep  your  eye  single 
to  the  Captain  of  your  souls'  salvation,  and — though  there 
may  be  seasons  of  drought,  of  hunger  and  thirst,  of  storm 
and  of  calm — be  not  discouraged,  even  when  your  enemies 
may  surround  you  as  a  host,  and  when  there  may  appear  to 
to  be  no  way  of  deliverance.  That  Arm  of  Power  that  has 
been  with  you,  will  not  forsake  you  in  the  hour  of  trial,  or 
the  time  of  affliction ;  but  will  be  present  to  give  bread  to 
the  hungry  and  water  to  the  thirsty ;  and  to  say  unto  those 
of  a  fearful  heart,  be  strong,  fear  not,  for  I  the  Lord  am  thy 
God,  "I,  even  I,  am  the  Lord;  and  beside  me  there  is  no 
Saviour." 

And  ye  who  are  fathers  and  mothers,  strengthen  the  chil- 
dren ;  take  them  by  the  hand  and  lead  them  along;  comfort 
them  in  the  hour  of  trial  when  their  faith  seems  weak; 
and  be  ye  helpmeets  one  to  another,  parents  and  children, 
brothers  and  sisters,  all  being  concerned  for  the  welfare  of 
Zion,  and  for  the  restoration  of  her  waste  places. 

And,  dear  Friends,  remember  your  tender  offspring; 
neglect  not  to  bring  them  with  you  to  our  solemn  meet- 
ings ;  and  often  at  your  own  homes  drawT  your  families 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


297 


together  for  silent  waiting  on  Almighty  God.  A  blessing 
will  attend  such  care,  and  the  seal  of  Divine  approval  will 
rest  upon  your  minds  for  your  faithfulness  toward  your 
children. 

And  forget  not  that  those  who  are  the  children  of  others, 
but  who  have  been  placed  under  your  care,  are  entitled  to 
your  oversight  and  instruction.  Endeavor,  therefore,  to  do 
your  duty  to  these,  and  to  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord,  encouraging  their  attendance  at 
your  religious  meetings,  providing  suitable  clothing  for  them 
to  wear  when  they  come,  and  bear  in  mind  that  you  are 
placed  as  stewards  over  them. 

If  such  be  your  concern  ye  will  be  neither  barren  nor  un- 
fruitful, but  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 

With  a  salutation  of  love,  I  bid  you  farewell,  and  am 
your  friend, 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Memoranda  of  a  Journey  to  Salem  Quarter  and  Some  of  its 

Branches. 

Second  Month,  1844. 

Having  had  it  on  my  mind  to  pay  a  religious  visit  to 
Friends  and  others  within  the  limits  of  Salem  Quarter,  I 
laid  the  prospect  before  Friends  of  our  Monthly  Meeting, 
and  received  a  minute  of  their  unity  and  concurrence  there- 
with. Having  attended  our  Quarterly  Meeting,  I  proceeded 
thence  to  Philadelphia  to  meet  my  friend,  Thomas  B.  Long- 
19 


298 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


streth,  who  was  to  join  me  as  companion  in  the  service.  As 
he  was  not  expecting  to  leave  the  city  until  the  following 
Third-day,  and  could  not  conveniently  go  sooner,  I  started 
alone,  on  Seventh-day  afternoon,  and  went  to  Woodbury. 
Although  a  stranger  at  this  place,  I  was  kindly  received  at 
the  home  of  Joseph  Ogden,  where  I  was  entertained  and 
from  which  I  went  to  meeting  on  First-day  morning.  I  felt 
a  burden  of  spirit,  and  was  abilitated  to  find  a  measure  of 
relief.  But  the  call  was  yet  hei'e,  and,  after  weighing  the 
matter,  I  felt  most  easy  to  appoint  a  meeting  to  be  held 
here  on  Third-day  evening.  This  appointment  having  been 
made,  I  returned  to  the  city  on  First-day  afternoon,  and 
arrived  in  time  to  attend  the  evening  meeting  at  Cherry 
Street.  It  was  a  large  gathering,  and  the  power  of  Truth 
spread  itself  over  the  assembly,  in  which  some  were  called 
to  bear  testimonies.  I  went  to  father's  and  remained  till 
Third-day  afternoon,  when  my  companion  joined  me,  and 
we  proceeded  to  Woodbury,  where  we  stopped  at  the  house 
of  our  friend,  William  Cooper.  The  evening  meeting  was 
large,  and,  after  we  had  sat  awhile  in  silence,  there  was 
felt  to  be  a  cloud  resting  over  us,  but,  in  due  time,  it  seemed 
to  pass  away,  and  then  the  power  of  Truth  rose  into  domin- 
ion, and  ability  was  furnished  to  proclaim  the  truths  of  the 
everlasting  Gospel.  The  declaration  of  the  Apostle  Paul 
was  held  up  to  view,  "  When  it  pleased  God  to  reveal  in 
me  his  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  I  conferred  not  with  flesh  and 
blood,  but  gave  up  to  the  heavenly  vision" — showing  forth 


RELIGIOUS    VISITS.  299 

I 

that  it  must  be  the  revelation  of  the  Lord's  will  (which 
must  be  known  and  attended  to)  that  can  bring  man  to  a 
knowledge  of  God ;  that  it  was  by  his  not  conferring  with 
flesh  and  blood  that  he  was  brought  so  fully  to  realize  that, 
where  I  am  there  shall  ye  be  also.  An  enlarged  view  was 
taken  of  the  importance  of  obedience  to  the  gift  of  God  and 
to  the  revelation  of  his  will.  The  meeting  was  favored  with 
much  solemnity,  and  broke  up  under  the  precious  covering. 

Here  we  met  with  Anna  Morris  and  her  companions, 
Hannah  North  and  William  Griscom,  traveling  under  a 
concern,  in  the  same  field  of  labor  as  ourselves. 

Fourth-day,  Second  Month  14th. — Left  Woodbury  for 
Woodstown,  arriving  at  the  latter  place  in  time  for  dinner. 
The  Select  Meeting  of  Salem  Quarter  was  held  in  the  after- 
noon, and  there  were  evidences  of  life  manifested  among 
us.  The  meeting  was  composed  chiefly  of  those  in  the  elder 
walk,  and  my  spirit  was  drawn  into  sympathy  with  them. 
It  seemed  to  be  my  place  to  hold  up  to  them  the  impor- 
tance of  encouraging  their  children  in  the  performance  of 
duties  that  may  rest  upon  them,  so  that  there  may  be  raised 
up  "judges  as  at  the  first,  and  counselors  as  at  the  beginning," 
who  will  bear  the  burdens  of  the  Church  and  carry  forward 
the  glorious  ensign  of  Truth  and  righteousness,  high  above 
all  forms  and  ceremonies  of  a  corrupt  profession.  Oh,  how 
my  spirit  travails  for  the  right  training  and  advancement  of 
the  rising  generation  !  Much,  I  believe,  depends  upon  the 
care  exercised  by  those  who  are  parents,  that  they  should 


300  LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVJCK. 

# 

be  as  nursing  fathers  and  mothers,  guarding  their  offspring 
from  the  snares  and  pitfalls  that  an  artful  enemy  has  laid  to 
entrap  them.  Many  are  watching  as  with  an  eagle's  eye, 
the  conduct,  the  example,  of  those  in  the  station  of  parents, 
for  if  these  should  stumble  and  fall,  the  cries  of  the  children 
will  go  forth.  Oh,  dear  fathers  and  mothers,  lay  these 
things  closely  to  heart,  examine  carefully  the  ground  upon 
which  you  stand  !  See  whether  your  example  is  of  that 
character  which  says,  in  the  line  of  conduct,  follow  us,  as 
we  follow  Christ. 

Next  day  was  the  General  Quarterly  Meeting,  which  was 
large,  and  several  strangers  were  in  attendance.  Testimo- 
nies to  the  truth  of  the  Gospel  were  borne  by  exercised 
minds,  and  I,  being  privileged  to  remain  mostly  in  silence, 
found  it  to  be  a  season  of  renewal  of  strength.  Just  at  the 
close  of  the  first  meeting  I  felt  to  encourage  Friends  to  re- 
main still,  and  not  to  throw  off  the  covering  that  had  been 
spread  over  us,  but  rather  to  seek  to  know  an  increase  of 
the  solemnity,  whereby  ability  might  be  experienced  to 
transact  the  business  of  the  Church  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
In  the  second  meeting  my  mind  was  led  to  hold  up  to 
Friends  the  importance  of  bringing  those  that  are  young 
early  into  usefulness;  for  the  young  man,  like  the  young 
horse,  if  left  to  go  without  restraint  until  he  has  much  age 
on  his  side,  becomes  hard  to  manage  and  not  willing  to 
come  under  the  controlling  influence  of  those  who  should 
lead  and  guide  him.    The  young  were  encouraged  to  come 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


301 


under  the  restraining  hand  of  Divine  power  early  in  life, 
whereby  the  yoke  would  become  easier  and  the  burden 
lighter  to  be  borne  than  would  be  the  case  if  not  taken 
upon  them  until  after  the  habits  had  been  formed  and  the 
heart  had  grown  obdurate. 

We  stopped  at  the  house  of  Josiah  Davis,  where  we  were 
kindly  cared  for.  In  the  afternoon  we  went  on  to  Penn's 
Neck,  where  we  tarried  over  night  with  Samuel  Holmes 
and  his  interesting  family.  We  had  a  religious  opportunity 
with  them,  in  which  it  pleased  the  Father  of  all  our  sure 
mercies  to  bless  and  break  his  bread  among  us.  The  hearts 
of  some  of  the  young  people  were  tendered  and  melted 
under  this  power,  and  they  were  encouraged  to  give  up  to 
his  work  and  service  in  the  morning  of  life.  Next  day  we 
had  an  interesting  meeting  at  Friends'  meeting-house  on 
the  Neck.  Ability  was  furnished  to  hold  up  the  purity  and 
excellence  of  the  dispensation  of  the  Gospel,  and  to  encour- 
age Friends  to  faithfulness,  although  they  were  few  in 
number  and  had  no  outward  ministry;  yet,  as  they  were 
faithful,  they  would  know  a  being  fed  with  the  heavenly 
manna — the  Lord  from  heaven. 

We  dined  at  Joseph  Taylor's  and  then  went,  in  company 
with  Anna  Morris  and  her  companions,  to  Salem,  stopping 
and  taking  supper  at  Joseph  Bassett's.  Our  meeting  at 
Salem  was  in  the  evening,  and  it  was  both  large  and  inter- 
esting, Truth  seeming  to  have  the  victory.  I  was  led  to 
declare  the  language  of  the  prophet,  who  said,  "  Who  is 


802 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


blind,  but  my  servant?  or  deaf,  as  my  messenger  that  I 
sent,"  etc.,  showing  forth  the  truth  of  the  declaration  that 
it  was  necessary  that  the  Lord's  servant  should  be  deaf 
and  blind  to  external  circumstances,  in  order  that  the  eye 
and  ear  might  be  opened  by  the  operation  of  the  Divine 
Spirit.  That,  after  being  thus  opened,  the  eye  must  be 
blind  to  all  sights  save  the  view  of  the  path  of  duty,  and 
the  ear  must  be  deaf  to  all  voices  save  that  of  the  Most 
High,  before  the  servant  could  minister  to  the  wants  of  the 
people.  Although  the  company  was  composed  of  a  variety 
of  classes,  yet  the  meeting  was  orderly  and  solemn.  We 
lodged  at  George  M.  Ward's,  where  we  had  the  evidence 
that  the  feeling  of  Gospel  love  flowed  unto  us  from  the 
hearts  of  himself,  wife  and  family. 

Seventh-day,  Second  Month  17th. — We  left  Salem  about 
nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  proceeded  to  Alloway's 
Creek,  where  we  were  entertained  at  the  house  of  our 
friend,  Joseph  Thompson.  Here  we  met  with  a  dear  sister, 
with  whom  my  mind  was  brought  into  near  sympathy,  be- 
lieving that  she  had  known  something  of  deep  baptisms  and 
sufferings.  I  was  led  to  hold  out  to  her  the  language  that 
was  given  me,  even  that  she  had  been  heard,  and  that  the 
Lord  was  with  her,  and  to  encourage  her  to  faithfulness  in 
all  things,  believing  that  she  has  been  and  is  faithful. 
Since  the  time  of  our  visit  I  have  heard  that  she  has  had 
many  deep  trials  to  endure,  and  that  she  has  been  called  to 
the  service  of  the  ministry.    May  the  Lord  be  her  shield 


RELIGIOUS  VISITS. 


303 


and  buckler,  and  may  He  keep  her  in  the  day  and  hour  of 
trial. 

Our  appointed  meeting;  at  this  place  was  in  the  afternoon. 
Here  we  had.  to  bear  testimony  against  the  love  of  the 
world,  and  the  deceitfulness  of  riches,  which,  as  they  take 
possession  of  the  mind,  lessen  our  love  for  the  cause  of 
Truth  and  righteousness.  Thence  we  proceeded  to  Green- 
wich Meeting,  which  we  attended  on  First-day.  In  the  after- 
noon crossed  the  river  Cohansey,  and  attended  an  indulged 
meeting,  where  Truth  rose  into  dominion  and,  I  trust,  the 
everlasting  Gospel  was  preached  to  the  comfort  and  encour- 
agement of  some  minds.  Continuing  on  our  journey,  we 
had  meetings  at  Bridgeton,  Bucksbottom,  Port  Elizabeth, 
Penn's  Creek,  Cape  May  Island,  Cape  May  Court  House, 
Beesley's  Point,  and  Tuckahoe.  Some  of  these  occasions 
were  truly  memorable  as  displays  of  Divine  love  and  regard. 
Though  many  with  whom  we  mingled  were  strangers  to  the 
Truth,  as  professed  by  us,  yet  we  found  an  openness  to  re- 
ceive it,  the  minds  being  comparable  to  the  parched  ground 
which  takes  in  the  rain  that  descends  upon  it.  From  Tuck- 
ahoe we  turned  our  faces  homeward,  attending-  the  Monthly 
Meeting  at  Salem,  and  having  an  appointed  meeting  at 
Woodstown  in  the  evening.  Our  next  meeting  was  at 
Upper  Greenwich,  and  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day  we 
had  one  at  Mullica  Hill.  Both  of  these  evening  meetings 
were  very  satisfactory,  and  the  last  one  seemed  to  crown  all. 

Here  closed  our  labors  on  the  present  mission,  and  the 


304 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


next  morning  found  us  wending  our  way  homeward.  When 
I  reached  my  habitation  I  found  all  well,  and  doing  well,  so 
that  I  had  renewed  cause  to  return  thanks  unto  my  Heav- 
enly Parent  for  his  great  love  and  care  over  us,  preserving 
our  health  and  enabling  me  to  return  with  the  reward  of 
peace. 

In  Eighth  Month  of  the  same  year  I  again  went  to  Salem 
Quarter,  and  visited  some  of  the  above-mentioned  places, 
mostly  along  or  near  the  coast,  and  inhabited  by  those  who 
are  not  Friends.  This  service,  also,  was  attended  with 
much  peace.  Samuel  J.  Levick. 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


305 


CHAPTER  IX. 


SELECTIONS   FROM  SERMONS. 


Delivered  Fifth  Month  9th,  1869 — Peace  not  given. 

I  am  rejoiced  in  spirit  by  the  renewing  evidence  which  is 
afforded  in  the  congregation  here  assembled,  that  there 
exists  in  the  human  mind  a  desire  for  Truth.  This  desire 
is  exemplified  by  the  large  number  of  those  not  of  our  fold, 
who  have  come  to  sit  with  us  this  morning.  For  we,  as  a 
people,  offer  but  little,  so  far  as  outward  surroundings  are 
presented,  that  is  attractive  to  the  natural  man,  who  is  look- 
ing outwardly ;  who  is  seeking  gratification  for  eye  and  ear, 
and  entertainment  for  the  intellect.  As  you  are  aware, 
there  is  not  present  with  us  the  pictured  window,  the  music 
of  the  organ,  nor  the  trained  voices  of  a  choir;  nor  is  there 
any  one  here  who  has  prepared  a  discourse  for  the  occasion  ; 
so  far  as  such  preparation  is  concerned  we  are  all  alike.  We 
have  come  here  to  wait  upon  God,  looking  unto  Him  for 
instruction,  and  knowing,  from  our  own  experience,  the  truth 
of  the  Scripture  declaration,  "  For  where  two  or  three  are 
gathered  together  in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of 
them,"  we  are  willing  to  come  together  in  his  name,  and 
wait  for  his  teaching;. 

We  recognize,  my  friends,  that  there  is  no  teacher  com- 
parable to  the  Divine  Teacher;  and  if  we  are  only  willing 
to  look  to  Him,  to  draw  nigh  unto  Him,  and  to  seek  an  ac- 
quaintance with  Him,  He  will  be  found  of  us.  At  the  same 
time  we,  as  a  people,  have  recognized  that  it  has  pleased 


306 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


God  to  qualify,  from  among  those  who  have  learned  in  his 
school,  men  and  women  to  bear  witness  of  what  they  them- 
selves have  tasted  of  "  the  good  word  of  life  and  the  powers 
of  the  world  to  come." 

And  what  a  high  position  does  this  people  occupy,  relig- 
iously, before  men,  by  its  profession  of  having  but  one  pre- 
siding Power  acknowledged,  and  that  Power  is  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Head  of  the  Church. 

When  assembled,  as  we  are  this  morning,  there  is  no  re- 
straint imposed  upon  any  of  our  members,  or  upon  any  of 
those  who  may  meet  with  us,  save  the  restraint  of  Divine 
Love;  for  we  recognize  that  where  this  moves  and  operates 
upon  the  hearts  of  any  who  are  thus  gathered,  whether  it 
be  the  lisping  babe,  or  the  man  strong  in  the  knowledge  of 
Truth — young  or  old,  male  or  female,  here  we  stand  upon 
common  ground  ;  so  that  if  it  please  God  to  move  the  hearts 
of  any,  they  are  recognized  as  having  the  right  to  bear  wit- 
ness to  the  Truth;  to  speak  unto  others  the  good  things 
they  have  learned  in  the  school  of  Christ.  We  invite  all 
who  have  been  thus  moved  to  testify  according  to  their  meas- 
ure, whatever  it  may  please  God  to  give  unto  them. 

You  see  by  this,  beloved  brethren  and  sisters,  at  least  in 
a  measure,  wherein  and  how  this  people  in  their  coming 
together  for  Divine  worship,  differ  from  all  other  professors 
of  religion,  for  generally  ministers  are  appointed,  and  none 
have  the  right  to  speak  save  him  who  has  been  intrusted 
with  the  duty.  We  think  that  this  manner  of  assembling 
and  waiting  is  in  harmony  with  the  practice  of  the  early 
Christian  Church ;  whilst  that  generally  prevailing  among 
the  professors  of  Christianity  to-day  is  more  in  keeping 
with  the  practices  of  the  Jewish  people,  antecedent  to  the 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


:;<I7 


outward  advent  of  Jesus  Christ.  Now,  we  know  that  the 
religious  world — I  do  not  refer  to  the  Orientals,  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Africa,  or  to  those  of  the  isles  afar  oft' — save 
the  Israelitish  people,  claim  to  be  Christians ;  and  however 
various  may  be  their  practices  or  forms  of  worship,  all  take  the 
name  of  Christ,  Has  the  matter  ever  been  brought  to  your 
attention  so  as  to  cause  you  to  reflect  and  to  examine  how 
far  the  present  forms  of  worship  comport  with  the  teachings 
and  the  practices  of  the  early  Christian  church  ?  Had  the 
disciples  of  Jesus  Christ  their  temples  of  religion  as  the  peo- 
ple now  have  ?  If  so,  did  they  enter  into  them  in  the  man- 
ner and  with  the  forms  that  now  prevail?  Was  it  deemed  • 
requisite  that  a  man  should  be  qualified  by  scholastic  attain- 
ments, by  study  and  preparation,  to  preach  to  the  people 
understanding^  ?  When  we  turn  to  the  record  of  the  Old 
Testament,  and  learn  of  the  practices  of  the  Jewish  Church, 
we  find  that  there  was  an  acknowledged  priesthood,  that  the 
house  of  Levi  held  that  rank,  and  that  the  priests  received 
their  portion,  their  tithes,  from  the  people,  for  the  discharge 
of  those  duties,  which  the  office  imposed  upon  them.  Here 
we  find  the  temple  worship;  here  we  find  the  singing  men 
and  singing  women ;  here  we  find  the  people  collected 
together  to  hear  the  words  that  came  from  the  priest. 

But  is  this  acknowledged  in  the  New  Testament  us  the 
Christian  religion  ;  or  was  it  the  great  mission  of  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Son  and  Sent  of  the  Father,  to  draw,  to  bring, 
to  turn  the  minds  of  the  people,  from  the  temple  worship, 
from  outward  ceremonies,  from  ritualism,  and  from  all  the 
various  forms  connected  with  the  Jewish  Church  ?  Was  it 
not  his  mission  to  turn,  to  draw,  to  bring  the  people  home 
to  the  fountain  of  living  water,  as  He  declared  to  the  woman 


308 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


of  Samaria,  when  He  asked  her  for  water  at  Jacob's  well  ? 
But  she  in  her  sectarian  prejudice,  was  at  once  prepared  to 
inquire  of  Him  how  it  was  that  He,  a  Jew,  should  ask  water 
of  her  who  was  a  woman  of  Samaria.  Jesus,  in  reply,  said 
to  her,  "  If  thou  knewest  the  gift  of  God,  and  who  it  is  that 
saith  to  thee,  Give  me  to  drink,  thou  wouldst  have  asked  of 
Him,  and  He  would  have  given  thee  living  water." 

The  testimony  which  is  given  me  to  bear  this  morning, 
before  this  large  assembly,  is  the  great  mission  of  Jesus 
Christ  to  the  souls  of  the  children  of  men,  in  his  inward  ap- 
pearance. And  when  we  come  truly  to  know  and  understand 
Him  as  the  Son  and  Sent  of  the  Father  by  our  faith  in  Him ; 
when  we  come  to  recognize  Him,  not  only  by  the  sight  of 
the- eye,  and  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear;  but  when  we  come 
to  know  Him  for  ourselves,  then  will  we  be  ready  to  bear 
our  testimony,  as  did  the  woman  at  Jacob's  well. 

And  what  was  the  testimony  that  Jesus  brought  unto 
her?  "  Whosoever  drinketh  of  this  water  shall  thirst  again, 
but  whosoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him 
shall  never  thirst;  but  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him  shall 
be  in  him  a  well  of  water  springing  up  into  everlasting  life." 
It  remains  as  true  to-day  as  it  was  when  He  uttered  it,  that 
those  who  drink  of  the  water  that  He  gives  them  shall  never 
thirst. 

Herein  is  the  superior  glory  of  the  Christian  covenant 
over  an}'  of  the  past  covenants  of  God  with  man.  Whilst 
the  manna  which  God  gave  to  Israel  in  their  outward  jour- 
ney furnished  them  food  for  the  time,  it  had  to  be  gathered 
every  day  :  but  Jesus  declared  the  character  of  his  mission 
which  He  came  to  fulfill,  when  He  said,  "  Your  fathers  did 
eat  manna  in  the  wilderness  and  are  dead.    This  is  the 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


bread  which  cometh  down  from  Heaven,  that  a  man  may 
eat  thereof,  and  not  die.  I  am  the  living  bread  which  came 
down  from  Heaven  ;  if  any  man  eat  of  this  bread,  he  shall 
live  forever;  and  the  bread  that  I  will  give  is  my  flesh, 
which  I  wilt  give  for  the  life  of  the  world."  "  I  am  the 
Bread  of  Life." 

Therefore  is  it,  my  beloved  people,  that  I  feel  moved  this 
morning,  by  the  warmth  of  the  Father's  love,  to  stand  before 
you,  and  to  invite  you  to  Jesus  Christ,  the  Way,  the  Truth, 
and  the  Life.  I  feel  that  there  are  now  present  many  who 
might  apply  to  themselves  the  language  of  the  Psalmist, 
"As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water-brooks,  so  panteth  my 
soul  after  thee,  0  God."  But  you,  like  the  woman  at 
Jacob's  well,  have  day  after  day  been  drawing  water,  and 
finding  that  it  does  not  satisfy.  But  there  is  offered  unto 
the  children  of  men,  a  day  of  great  rejoicing,  of  great  joy; 
for  there  is  born  unto  thern,  in  Bethlehem  of  Judea,  a  Sav- 
iour, Christ,  the  Lord.  He  is  constant,  and  is  now  as  ready 
as  He  ever  has  been  to  save ;  and  He  is  calling  to  every  sin- 
cere seeker,  "  Give  me  thy  heart." 

This  is  the  earnest  appeal  that  is  given  forth  from  the 
source  of  all  Goodness,  and  it  is  sounding  from  the  river 
even  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  "  Give  me  thy  heart;"  suffer 
me  to  rule  there.  Oh,  that  we  were  this  very  morning 
ready  to  do  it !  There  are  those  here  who  are  hungering 
and  thirsting,  and  who  have  not  been  satisfied;  they  may 
belong  to  different  persuasions — our  own  not  excluded — 
and  be  of  various  classes ;  for  the  name  that  we  have  to  re- 
ligion is  of  little  moment,  it  is  the  heart  which  God  looketh 
at,  for  He  is  no  respecter  of  persons  ;  "  But  in  every  nation 
he  that  feareth  Him,  and  worketh  righteousness  is  accepted 


310 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


with  Him."  Blessed  be  God,  his  mercy  is  not  limited  by 
name  or  nation ;  nor  is  it  confined  to  any  kipdred,  tongue 
or  people ;  but  is  free  for  all  human  beings,  wherever  scat- 
tered over  this  habitable  globe.  Yea,  throughout  the  uni- 
verse, wherever  the  glorious  light  of  the  sun  shines,  there  is 
God.  Wherever  his  rational  creatures  exist,  there  is  the 
light  of  his  presence  shining  into  their  hearts;  and  if  they 
are  only  willing  to  receive  this  light  in  the  way  of  his  de- 
signing, in  the  measure  of  grace  given  unto  them,  they  shall 
know  the  way  in  which  He  would  have  them  go,  and  know- 
ing it,  they  will  walk  therein. 

I  am  fully  convinced  that  there  is  a  vast  body  of  people 
up  and  down  the  land,  who  are  not  satisfied  with  the  prac- 
tices, the  ceremonies  and  the  teaching  of  religion  in  many 
of  the  churches.  No,  the}' are  not  satisfied,  and  it  was  not 
intended  that  these  things  should  satisfy  the  cravings  of  the 
soul.  The  law  which  came  by  Moses  was  not  intended  to 
make  the  comers  thereunto  perfect,  but  it  was  to  be  unto  them 
as  a  schoolmaster  to  bring  them  on ;  and  just  so  it  is  to-day. 
God's  ways  are  as  they  ever  have  been  ;  there  is  nothing  new, 
there  is  no  other  way  given  whereby  we  may  come  to  a  know- 
ledge of  Divine  Truth.  There  is  one  way  open  to  all,  and  of 
this  way  it  is  said,  "  The  wayfaring  men,  though  fools,  shall 
not  err  therein."  But,  as  it  is  with  everything  else,  we  must 
apply  our  hearts  to  it.  We  cannot  expect  to  become  learned 
in  matters  pertaining  to  God,  if  we  pass  away  our  time,  from 
day  to  day,  from  week  to  week,  from  month  to  month,  and 
from  year  to  year,  unconcerned  with  regard  to  things  of  a 
religious  character.  No,  not  at  all.  And  yet  how  common 
it  is  for  a  man  to  feel  that  it  is  time  enough  for  him  to  enter 
upon  a  life  of  religion.    This  is  one  reason  why  there  are  so 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


311 


many  people  in  the  world  devoid  of  it.  Another  reason 
why  the  subject  is  so  little  understood  by  many  is  that  they 
leave  others  to  do  the  work  for  them — at  least  in  a  measure 
— and  rest  satisfied  with  the  feeling,  I  will  pay  a  learned 
man  to  do  this  work;  he  may  examine  the  matter,  and 
then  come  and  tell  me  what  to  do,  and  I  will  do  it. 

Is  such  religion  in  harmony  with  the  teachings  of  Jesus 
Christ  ?  Listen  to  Him,  beloved  friends,  and  hear  his  declara- 
tion, "  If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself, 
and  take  up  his  cross  daily  and  follow  me."  Is  this  in  ac- 
cordance with  much  of  what  we  hear  at  the  present  day  ? 
Are  men  taught  that  they  must  do  this  work  themselves — 
that  no  one  else  can  do  it  for  them  ?  That  they  must  work 
out  their  own  soul's  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling?  Are 
they  taught  that,  if  they  would  attain  the  end,  they  must 
start  at  the  beginning?  We  know  that  it  was  necessary  for 
every  one  of  us,  when  we  were  children,  to  learn  our 
A  B  C's,  and,  my  friends,  it  is  to-day  just  as  necessary  for 
us  to  learn  the  A  B  C  of  religion,  if  we  would  ever  come 
into  the  knowledge  of  the  Truth  "  as  the  truth  is  in  Jesus." 

And  what  is  the  A  B  C  of  religion?  It  is  obedience. 
"  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord,  for  this  is  right." 
"  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  thy  days  may  be 
long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee." 

This  is  the  first  commandment  with  promise,  and  it  is  as 
necessary  to-day  as  it  was  when  given  through  Moses,  that 
all  should  understand  and  obey  this  injunction,  if  ever  they 
would  advance  in  the  way  of  holiness.  While  the  children 
should  honor  and  obey  their  parents,  we,  who  are  fathers 
and  mothers,  should  exercise  ourselves  in  training  up  our 
children  "  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord." 


312 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


This  is  a  duty,  for  the  discharge  of  which  God,  our  Creator, 
will  hold  us  responsible.  We  can  make  no  excuse  for  any 
neglect  in  this  particular,  for  the  cares  of  the  world  are  of 
secondary  importance  to  this  great  duty.  When  we  are 
entrusted  with  the  keeping  of  an  immortal  soul  that  God  has 
formed  and  that  He  desires  should  live  with  Him  through- 
out the  boundless  ages  of  eternity,  can  we  satisfy  ourselves 
that  anything  else  that  we  can  do  for  that  being  is  of  as 
much  importance  as  to  train  him  up  in  the  way  he  should  go  f 

God  gives  to  every  one  who  cometh  to  Him  in  Christ 
grace  and  strength  to  do  his  will.  Every  mother  and  every 
father  now  present,  by  applying  to  the  Source  of  all  good- 
ness, may  be  taught  how  to  fulfill  the  trust  committed  to  her 
and  to  him. 

Do  you  remember  how,  in  olden  times,  God  commanded 
the  Israelites  that  they  should  write  the  law  on  the  door- 
posts of  their  houses,  teaching  it  unto  their  children  ?  "And 
ye  shall  teach  them  diligently  unto  your  children,  speaking 
of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when  thou 
vvalkest  by  the  way,  when  thou  Rest  down  and  when  thou 

risest  up  And  thou  shalt  write  them  upon  the 

door-posts  of  thine  house,  and  upon  thy  gates."  And,  to- 
day, this  is  binding  on  the  Lord's  Israel.  Oh  !  is  it  any 
wonder  that  the  young  grow  up  in  ignorance,  when  there 
is  no  care  given  to  them  in  the  instruction  that  is  necessary 
for  them  ? 

Ah,  my  friends,  what  a  solemn  feeling  comes  with  the 
thought,  "  Where  are  those  lambs  that  were  entrusted  to 
thy  keeping?"  Do  I  see  them  walking  in  the  way  they 
should  go  ?  Or  do  I  see  that  they  have  strayed  from  my 
ways,  and  that  the}'  are  wandering  on  the  barren  mountains 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


313 


and  over  the  desolate  plains  ?  Fathers  and  mothers  here 
assembled  !  I  would  that  every  one  of  us  who  occupies  the 
position  of  parent  should  be  awakened  to  a  solemn  sense  of 
the  responsibility  that  attaches  to  fatherhood  and  to  mother- 
hood, so  that  when  we  come  to  lie  upon  a  death-bed,  and  to 
feel  that  our  life  is  going  out,  we  may  have  the  conscious- 
ness that  we  have  endeavored,  yea,  have  labored,  to  discharge 
these  duties  in  the  sight  of  God.  Far  better  than  the  pos- 
session of  wealth  will  it  be  for  us  in  that  solemn  hour — 
though  we  may  have  less  of  worldly  store  to  leave  our  chil- 
dren— to  feel  that  we  have  led  them,  not  to  court  earthly 
treasure,  but  to  seek  the  riches  which  are  incorruptible, 
and  which  fade  not  away. 

.  Now,  the  indebtedness  and  the  obedience  of  children  to 
their  parents  are  strikingly  typical  of  what  we  owe  to  our 
Heavenly  Father.  I  desire  that  we  should  consider  this,  and 
then  look  on  the  other  side,  and  see  how  far  our  care  and 
oversight  of  them  has  been  typical  of  the  Good  Father's 
watchfulness  over  us.  Oh  !  that  we  could  feel  our  responsi- 
bility as  parents,  and  our  dependence  upon  the  Great  Parent, 
that  we  would  obey  his  voice,  and  thus  learn  to  do  those/things 
which  belong  unto  our  peace.  I  stand  not  here,  this  morning, 
as  the  advocate  of  any  sect  or  people,  or  in  the  name  of  any 
party.  Far  from  it.  But  I  feel  my  heart  moved  by  the  love 
of  Christ  to  invite  all  to  come  to  Him,  the  fountain  and 
source  of  all  Truth.  I  desire  that  the  young  may  begin 
aright,  and  may  join  in  this  blessed  work,  for  I  feel  moved 
to  invite  you  to  come  to  know  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And 
now  let  me  say  to  you,  beloved  young  people,  that  He  is  not 
a  hard  Master.  Do  not  for  a  moment  think  that  He  is. 
But,  on  the  contrary,  that  He  is  a  rich  rewarder  of  all  that 

20 


314 


LIFE    OP    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


seek  Him,  if  they  seek  aright.  The  wise  king  said  of  wis- 
dom, "  Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths 
are  peace."  And  so  you  will  find  it  with  the  ways  of  reli- 
gion and  the  paths  of  obedience.  I  have  trodden  in  these 
paths  in  my  early  life,  and  have  found  them  to  lead  to  hap- 
piness. I  stand  before  you  a  witness  of  this,  for,  before  I 
had  reached  the  age  of  my  majority  I  found  His  cords  draw- 
ing me,  and  they  drew  me  into  ways  of  pleasantness  and 
into  paths  of  peace.  Therefore,  my  ardent  desire  for  you  is, 
that  your  feet  may  be  turned  into  the  narrow  way;  that  you 
may  this  day  choose  whom  you  will  serve,  and  that  your 
choice  may  be  that  of  Joshua  of  old,  "  As  for  me  and  my 
house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord."  Oh,  never,  never  will  you 
regret  this  choice,  for  He  will  make  you  to  lie  down  in 
green  pastures,  He  will  lead  you  beside  the  still  waters,  and 
his  presence  will  prove  to  you  a  joy  far  exceeding  all  things 
else.  Then  you  will  rejoice  in  God  your  Saviour  and  be 
prepared  to  raise  your  voices  in  praise  and  thanksgiving 
to  his  great  name. 

Look  around  and  see  the  fields  of  labor.  The  sickle  is  being 
extended  over  the  land,  and  the  fields  are  white  unto  the 
harvest,  but  how  few  are  the  laborers.  Oh,  I  feel  within  me 
this  morning  the  drawing  cords  of  Divine  love,  and  I  would 
to  God  I  could  awaken  in  you  the  desire  to  go  hand  in  hand 
with  Him.  The  command  of  our  Saviour  is  preceded  by  an 
invitation  and  followed  by  a  promise,  "  Come  unto  me  all 

ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden  Take  my 

yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of  Me,  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly 
in  heart,  and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your  souls."  Oh,  that 
you  may  have  more  of  a  sober  and  wise  mind,  that  you  may 
learn  the  things  of  God,  believe  in  the  Divine  Teacher,  and 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


315 


be  led  aright;  so  that,  when  hungry  and  thirsty  souls  shall 
come,  there  may  be  found  some  loving  hearts  that  have 
been  disciplined  in  the  school  of  Christ,  and  that  may 
strengthen  these  famishing  ones  by  giving  unto  them  the 
bread  and  the  water  of  life. 

Remember  it  was  unto  those  who  had  given  bread  to  the 
hungry  and  water  to  the  thirsty,  and  who  had  visited  the 
sick,  to  whom  was  extended  the  welcome  language,  "  Come, 
ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for 
you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world." 

Remember,  also,  that  it  was  the  testimony  of  our  blessed 
Saviour,  of  Him  who  had  come  from  the  bosom  of  the 
Father,  "  Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,  that  ye  bear  much 
fruit;  so  shall  ye  be  my  disciples."  Now  the  fruits  of  reli- 
gion are  righteousness  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 


Delivered  in  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  time  and  place 

not  GIVEN. 

We  meet  to-day  wrhen  it  is  popular  to  be  called  a  Chris- 
tian. It  was  not  so  some  eighteen  or  nineteen  centuries  ago, 
if  we  may  judge  by  the  records  of  the  past,  as  we  find  them 
in  the  Holy  Scriptures.  Then  the  prominent  and  popular 
religion  was  Judaism,  and  those  who  were  willing  to  be 
called  the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ  were  looked  upon  by  the 
great  and  the  wise  and  the  good  (so  esteemed)  as  having 
forsaken  the  religion  of  their  fathers  and  gone  after  strange 
teachers,  or  a  strange  Teacher.  We  note  that  there  had  been, 
prior  to  the  coming,  or  outward  advent  of  Jesus  Christ,  a 
voice  heard  in  the  wilderness,  John  the  Baptist,  crying  unto 


316 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


the  people,  "  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord ;  make  his 
paths  straight."  And  there  were  those  who  heard  John, 
and  they  went  "and  were  baptized  of  him  in  Jordan,  con- 
fessing their  sins."'  But  John  spoke  of  another,  of  One  that 
was  to  come  after  him ;  concerning  whom  he  said,  "  I,  in- 
deed, baptize  you  with  water  unto  repentance,  but  He  that 
cometh  after  me  is  mightier  than  I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not 
worthy  to  bear.  He  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost 
and  with  fire,  whose  fan  is  in  his  hand,  and  He  will  thor- 
oughly purge  the  floor  and  gather  his  wheat  into  the  gar- 
ner, but  He  will  burn  up  the  chaff  with  unquenchable  fire/' 
And  we  find,  in  the  course  of  a  short  time,  it  came  to  pass 
as  John  had  declared  ;  for  there  came  to  this  people  another 
ambassador  or  prophet,  even  He  of  whom  Moses  in  his  day 
had  spoken  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  "A  prophet  shall  the 
Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto 
me.  Him  shall  ye  hear."  But  Moses  himself  was  a  leader 
of  Judaism  and  was,  in  his  time  and  in  after-time,  accounted 
the  great  leader  whom  God,  by  his  power,  had  fitted  and 
prepared  for  the  service  assigned  him.  He  was  an  instru- 
ment in  the  Lord's  hand,  in  bringing  his  people,  Israel,  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt,  for  he  led  them  forth,  he  went  before 
them  and,  in  the  wisdom  of  God,  he  was  appointed  to  lead 
the  people  from  a  land  of  darkness  and  oppression  to  the 
land  of  Canaan,  the  land  of  promise.  We  read  of  this  great 
teacher,  that,  early  in  his  mission,  he  could  declare,  "  I  will 
sing  unto  the  Lord,  for  He  hath  triumphed  gloriously.  The 
horse  and  his  rider  hath  He  thrown  into  the  sea."  His 
prophetic  vision  could  see  afar  off  the  coming  of  the  Mes- 
siah, so  beautifully  referred  to  by  Isaiah,  "  The  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  God  is  upon  me,  because  the  Lord  hath  anointed  me 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


317 


to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek.  He  hath  sent  me  to 
bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  cap- 
tives and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound  : 
to  proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord  and  the  day  of 
vengeance  of  our  God;  to  comfort  all  that  mourn ;  to  ap- 
point unto  them  that  mourn  in  Zion,  to  give  unto  them 
beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  the  garment 
of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness;  that  they  might  be 
called  trees  of  righteousness,  the  planting  of  the  Lord  that 
He  might  be  glorified."  This  was  the  character  of  the  mis- 
sion of  Jesus  Christ.  He  was  sent  of  God.  What  more 
forcible  language  could  be  used  to  bring  to  the  view  of  the 
people  his  mission,  than  his  own  words,  "  To  this  end  was  I 
born,  and  for  this  cause  came  I  into  the  world,  that  I  should 
bear  witness  unto  the  Truth."  He  was  to  perfect  the  work 
of  God,  to  hold  up  before  the  people  the  way  whereby  they 
might  be  brought  into  the  possession  of  the  fullness  of  the 
love  of  God.  This  was  his  work.  It  is  popular  to-day  to 
be  called  a  Christian.  But  it  is  one  thing  to  be  so  called,  and 
quite  another  to  be  possessed  of  Christianity.  Our  Lord 
himself  pointed  out  the  difference  between  professing  to  be, 
and  being,  a  Christian.  "Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me, 
Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  but  he 
that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven."  In 
the  former  days  there  were  those  who  were  ready  to  say, 
"  Let  us  be  called  by  thy  name  to  take  away  our  reproach." 
Beloved  friends,  I  am  not  here  to  sit  in  judgment  upon  any 
of  you.  God  forbid!  -Such  is  not  my  mission.  There  is 
one  who  judgeth,  and  that  is  God.  I  view  this  interesting 
assembly  here  gathered  as  followers  of  Jesus  Christ — no  out- 
ward power  held  over  them,  no  penalties  attaching  unto 


318 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


them  for  non-attendance ;  when  I  look  upon  this  company, 
composed,  as  it  is,  of  men  and  women  most  of  whom  are 
past  the  meridian  of  life,  I  am  impressed  with  the  sense  that 
you  have  not  come  here  this  morning  merely  to  be  found 
doing  what  is  needed  to  maintain  respectability  in  your 
neighborhood,  but  I  am  induced  to  believe  that  there  are 
much  higher  motives  which  have  prompted  you  to  come  and 
sit  down  with  us,  in  silence,  to  wait  upon  the  Lord.  I  believe 
that  the  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  is  ever  moving  upon  the 
hearts  of  the  children  of  men  everywhere,  by  his  Holy  Spirit, 
is  touching  your  hearts  and  making  you  feel  the  touches  of 
his  love,  accompanied  with  an  earnest  desire  that  you  may 
be  more  steadfast  in  your  purpose,  more  decided  Christians. 
Yea,  that  there  is  something  within  you  begetting  a  desire 
to  be  brought  into  possession  of  that  which  satisfies  the  soul. 
We  receive  you  to  worship  with  us  without  regard  to  out- 
ward relationship,  whether  you  believe  with  this  Society  or 
not ;  for  in  the  feeling  that  prompted  you  to  come  here  at 
this  time  I  recognize  the  wonderful  goodness  of  that  Al- 
mighty Power  that  sees  everything  as  it  is,  and  that  looks 
upon  all  his  creatures  everywhere  only  with  the  eye  of  love, 
the  eye  of  pity.  I  am  concerned,  if  possible,  to  awaken  in 
you,  more  and  more,  a  sense  of  the  great  importance  of  an 
acquaintance  with  God  ;  to  assure  you  that  He  is  open  to  the 
same  inquiry  that  was  made  by  the  keeper  of  the  prison  to 
Paul  and  Silas,  "  What  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?"  Aye,  there 
is  no  thought  which  can  enter  into  the  heart  of  man  so  im- 
portant, so  vital  as  this.  No,  none  other.  For,  to  my  under- 
standing, that  very  thought  of  being  saved,  should  form  the 
great,  the  most  important  part  of  our  concern  in  this  life. 
Saved  from  what  ?    Why  saved  from  and  delivered  out  of 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


319 


that  thraldom,  that  power  which  would  lead  us  to  do  any- 
thing that  is  contrary  to  the  will  of  God.  For  we  know, 
beloved  friends,  that,  while  there  is  that  within  us  which 
allows  us  to  follow  the  beck  or  the  call  of  another,  and  to 
turn  aside  from  the  Divine  requirements,  we  need  to  be 
saved.  How  we  should  feel  comforted  when  we  remember 
that  the  love  of  God  has  exemplified  itself  unto  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  men,  in  that  He  gave  into  the  world  his  only 
begotten  Son,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  "that  whosoever  be- 
lieveth  in  Him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life." 
Note  the  promise,  "  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting 
life."  I  am  a  believer  in  this  doctrine.  I  am  a  believer  in  the 
declaration  recorded,  for  I  recognize,  "  There  is  none  other 
name  under  heaven  given  among  men  whereby  we  must  be 
saved."  No,  my  friends,  none  other  name  than  his  name, 
which  exemplifies  his  power,  "  For  it  is  written,  As  I  live, 
saith  the  Lord,  every  knee  shall  bow  to  me  and  every  tongue 
shall  confess  to  God.  So,  then,  every  one  of  us  shall  give 
account  of  himself  to  God." 

In  thus  bearing  my  testimony  to  you  this  morning,  it  is 
not  that  I  have  received  it  by  tradition  nor  learned  it  in  the 
schools  of  men,  but  I  have  felt  it  and  realized  it  by  the  reve- 
lation of  the  power  of  God  in  my  heart.  For  I  know,  from 
a  measure  of  that  love  of  which  I  have  spoken,  which  spreads 
from  river  to  river,  from  sea  to  sea,  from  ocean  to  ocean,  to 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth,  that  that  love  has  poured 
itself  into  my  heart;  that  it  has  satisfied  my  desire;  that,  by 
the  light  of  it,  the  things  that  were  obscure  have  been  made 
plain  ;  and,  standing  here,  I  can  bear  my  humble  testimony 
to  the  power  of  this  blessed  Truth  that  "  God  so  loved  the 
world  that  He  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever 


320 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


believeth  in  Him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting 
life." 

But  I  do  not  now  speak  of  this  everlasting  life — nor  do  I 
believe  that  it  was  intended  to  be  so  presented — as  if  it  were 
only  attainable  when  the  earthly  life  shall  have  ceased.  Oh, 
no ;  its  great  and  grand  glory  is  that  it  is  vouchsafed  unto 
us  here,  for  it  is  here  we  need  it,  and  here  is  where  we  ought 
to  enjoy  it,  in  the  measure  permitted  to  be  enjoyed  while  in 
the  body. 

Then  let  us,  my  beloved  friends,  be  willing  to  hearken 
unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  for  it  comes  to  us  in  many  ways. 
It  speaks  to  us  in  the  night;  it  comes  to  us  as  the  heavenly 
messenger;  it  comes  with  the  light  of  its  own  glory,  inviting 
us  to  taste,  see  and  thus  know  for  ourselves  that  the  Lord 
is  good.  Let  us  listen  to  this  voice  and  follow  it,  for  it  is  as 
essential  to-day  tbat  we  should  follow  our  Lord  and  Master 
in  spirit,  as  it  was  that  the  fishermen  of  Galilee  should  fol- 
low Him  when  in  the  body.  Nothing  short  of  a  willingness 
on  our  part  to  do  this  can  make  us  worthy  to  be  numbered 
among  the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ.  But  mere  assent,  mere 
acknowledgment  with  the  tongue,  is  not  that  which  does  the 
work.  A  correct  belief,  valuable  as  it  is,  does  not  make  a 
Christian.  We  must  know  the  child  born,  the  Son  given 
in  U9,  and  that  the  government  of  our  lives  rests  upon  his 
shoulders,  before  we  can  feel  that  wre  are  saved.  If  we  feel 
in  our  hearts  the  power  of  God  to  be  our  power,  so  that 
when  we  are  tempted  it  will  enable  us  to  say  to  the  tempter, 
"  Get  thee  hence,  Satan,"  then  are  we  safe  in  the  keeping  of 
our  Lord,  "For,  in  that  He  himself  hath  suffered  being 
tempted,  He  is  able  to  succor  them  that  are  tempted."  And 
this  succor  will  be  given  to  those,  and  those  only,  who  are 


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321 


willing  to  deny  themselves,  to  take  up  their  daily  cross  and 
follow  Him. 

Our  Heavenly  Father  comes  as  near  to  his  children  to-day 
as  He  has  ever  done,  and  He  pours  in  the  light  of  his  pres- 
ence and  power  upon  the  sons  and  daughters  of  men  as 
freely  as  He  has  done  in  any  age  of  the  world. 

It  is  amply  sufficient  for  every  one  who  is  willing  to  be 
brought  under  the  influence  of  that  power,  that  light  and 
that  presence.  Blessed  be  God,  He  so  loved  the  world,  and 
all  that  come  into  the  world,  that  He  gave  his  beloved  Son 
for  our  salvation. 

My  brethren  and  sisters,  the  glory  of  our  faith  and  the 
possession  of  it  are  worth  more  to  you  and  to  me  and  to 
mankind  than  anything  else  can  be  worth,  because  such  an 
attainment  is  a  victory  over  the  things  of  this  world,  over 
all  the  powers  of  darkness.  It  lifts  us  to  the  position  which 
God  designed  that  every  man  should  occupy.  "  If  the  Son, 
therefore,  shall  make  you  free,  ye  shall  be  free  indeed." 

Why  should  men  be  spending  their  time,  the  prime  of 
their  manhood,  in  working,  striving,  laboring  night  and  day 
for  that  which,  as  we  all  know,  perisheth?  When  we  come 
to  compare  the  transitoriness  of  the  things  of  this  world  with 
the  joy  of  possessing  eternal  life,  is  it  not  marvellous  that 
intelligent  men,  the  world  over,  should  spend  their  strength, 
their  manhood  and  all  they  have,  in  the  pursuit  of  that 
which  vanisheth  like  an  ignis-fatuus,  which  leads  but  to  be- 
wilder, and  which  dazzles  but  to  blind  ? 

Look  at  the  world  to-day ;  grasping,  reaching  out,  over- 
reaching and  toiling  after  riches  which,  after  all,  must  perish. 
Such  acquisition  does  not  lift  a  man  up  in  the  sight  of  God, 
but  often  just  the  contrary.    I  would  not  apply  this  remark 


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LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


to  what  a  man  need  possess,  and  what  he  may  acquire  by 
energy,  by  improvement,  by  a  proper  exercise  of  the  talents 
and  the  powers  that  have  been  bestowed  upon  him  ;  but 
when  he  devotes  all  his  available  time  to  the  amassing  of 
wealth,  and  in  doing  so  loses  sight  of  the  great  work  of 
making  his  "  calling  and  election  sure" — what  is  his  life  but 
a  blank  in  comparison  with  what  it  ought  to  be? 

Only  contemplate  for  a  moment,  every  heart  here  filled 
with  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost !  What  a  power  !  it  would 
go  out  in  all  directions,  in  the  inviting  language,  come 
brother,  come  sister,  "  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the 
mountain  of  the  Lord,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob ; 
and  He  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his 
paths ;  for  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law,  and  the  word 
of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem." 

"When  we  consider  how  much  we  already  possess,  not  only 
of  material  wealth,  but  also  of  talent  and  opportunity,  and  the 
blessings  that  have  been  poured  out  upon  us ;  and  the))  realize 
how  much  more  we  might  do,  than  we  are  doing,  to  smooth 
down  the  asperities  of  life — I  feel  that  these  thoughts  should 
drive  away  sectarianism,  where  it  exists;  for  that  spirit  fre- 
quently produces  controversy  and  hatred,  and  when  these 
take  possession  of  a  man,  they  make  him  narrow-minded, 
and — according  to  his  opportunity — a  persecutor.  This  was 
exemplified  in  the  treatment  given  to  our  Saviour,  who  was 
persecuted  because  his  teachings  differed  from  those  of  the 
priests  who  were  established  in  their  sectarianism,  and  who 
hated  the  new  doctrine  which  He  taught.  But  what  could 
they  say  ?  for  He  had  exemplified  his  power  by  his  works. 
He  had  opened  the  eyes  of  the  blind,  had  made  the  deaf  to 
hear,  and,  in  their  very  sight  had  the  sick  been  restored  to 


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323 


health.  This  evidence,  with  that  of  the  five  barley  loaves, 
and  the  two  small  fishes,  manifested  to  the  people  the  power 
of  the  living  God  in  him ;  for  He  showed  by  his  works,  and 
testified  by  his  words,  that  He  did  not  speak  for  himself, 
or  act  by  his  own  power.  "  I  can  of  mine  own  self  do  no- 
thing;; as  I  hear  I  judge,  and  my  judgment  is  just  ;  because 
I  seek  not  my  own  will,  but  the  will  of  the  Father  which 
hath  sent  me."  With  all  this  evidence  multiplied  again  and 
again,  the  chief  priests  conspired  to  take  his  life,  even  when 
the  secular  ruler  would  have  spared  Him.  I  would  rather 
fall  into  the  hands  of  any  other  class  to  be  judged,  than  into 
those  of  a  sectarian  believer.  What  darkness  covers  that 
mind  which  is  under  the  thick  vail  of  sectarianism !  Re- 
member how  it  was  with  those  Jews,  when  Pilate  wanted 
to  release  Jesus,  for  he  found  no  fault  in  Him.  The 
people,  urged  by  the  priests,  cried  out,  release  unto  us  Bar- 
abbas.  And  why  did  these  priests  object  to  having  Jesus 
released  ?  Was  it  not  because  they  were  fearful  that  his 
preaching,  together  with  the  miracles  He  had  performed, 
would  take  away  their  power  from  the  Sanhedrim,  draw  away 
the  worshippers  from  the  temple,  and  cause  them  to  lose 
their  influence?  Do  we  think  there  is  nothing  of  this  kind 
in  the  world  now  ?  Until  a  man  is  willing  to  come  under 
the  government  of  God,  until  he  is  made  to  believe,  until  he 
is  willing  to  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  daily  cross  and  fol- 
low the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  he  does  act  out  this  kind  of  spirit. 
The  natural  man  is  selfish  and  oppressive;  he  loves  his  own 
way  more  than  he  loves  God.  It  is  terrible  to  behold,  when 
we  cast  our  eyes  about  us,  and  see  what  has  been  done  in 
the  name  of  religion.  I  do  not  marvel  that  men  are  turned 
away  from  coming  to  know,  and  to  listen  to  religion,  when 


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LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


they  have  looked  at  the  actions  of  many  who  profess,  and  of 
some  who  teach  it.  But  when  you  want  to  see  portrayed 
the  character  of  true  religion,  turn  and  look  at  the  teachings 
of  Jesus  Christ.  The  light  that  He  exemplified  was  the  light 
of  the  Father:  He  was  of  the  Most  High  God;  born  not 
of  the  corruptible,  but  of  the  incorruptible ;  He  and  his 
Father  being  one. 

Now,  my  Friends,  I  want  you  to  understand  that  that 
same  Almighty  Power  is  here  this  morning,  ready  to  con- 
fer this  work,  this  love,  this  power,  upon  you;  to  give  you 
in  time  a  sufficiency  of  it  to  enable  you  to  work  out  your 
soul's  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling.  And  I  tell  you 
there  is  no  other  way  by  which  you  can  obtain  this  than  by 
taking  hold  of  Jesus  Christ,  by  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of 
God :  by  bringing  yourselves,  even  as  the  Virgin  Man- 
brought  herself,  under  submission  to  the  power  of  the  High- 
est. When  you  do  this,  saying  in  your  hearts,  '•  Be  it  unto 
me  according  to  thy  word,"  then  will  the  Almighty  Power 
of  God  be  exemplified  in  you  ;  you  will  know  the  child  born 
in  you  :  you  will  know  the  government  of  your  lives  to  rest 
upon  his  shoulders,  and  that  He  is  the  Counselor  and  the 
Prince  of  Peace,  who  will  destroy  all  enmity  between  you 
and  your  God  :  and  you  will  experience  that  peace  of  which 
Jesus  said,  "Peace  I  leave  with  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto 
you;  not  as  the  world  giveth  give  I  unto  you.  Let  not 
your  heart  be  troubled,,  neither  let  it  be  afraid." 

It  is  the  desire  of  my  heart  to  have  an  increase  of  this 
kind  of  religion  :  to  have  more  Christians  :  and  I  should  be 
willing  to  be  spent  if  I  could  persuade  my  brethren  every- 
where to  listen  to  the  invitation  of  the  Saviour  himself, 
"  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


825 


I  will  give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of 
me,  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  and  ye  shall  find  rest 
unto  your  souls.  For  my  yoke  is  easy  and  my  burden  is 
light."  Our  God  wills  not  the  death  of  any,  nor  that  any 
should  perish',  but  that  all  should  return,  repent  and  live. 
Remember  this,  my  friends,  all  ye  that  are  heavy  laden. 
Oh  !  could  some  who  are  here  this  morning  realize  the  joys 
of  Heaven,  and  the  peace  which  fills  the  heart  that  is  pre- 
pared to  receive  it ;  even  the  peace  of  God — you  would  be 
willing  to  part  with  everything  you  have,  and  to  say  take  it 
all ;  only  give  me  that  peace  which  I  crave.  Turn  over  the 
pages  of  Holy  Scripture  ;  read  the  various  illustrations  there 
in  the  book  of  Job.  How  striking  and  how  beautiful  they 
are,  when  realized  and  brought  home  to  our  individual  ex- 
perience. "  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear; 
but  now  my  eye  seeth  thee ;  wherefore  I  abhor  myself,  and 
repent  in  dust  and  ashes."  Such,  my  beloved  friends,  will 
be  our  acknowledgments,  when  we  bow  and  submit  our- 
selves to  the  living  God.  Then  his  glorious  light  and  power 
shall  come  shining  around  about  us,  and  we  can  in  truth 
say,  "  Now  mine  eye  seeth  thee."  And  let  us  remember 
that  after  Job's  afflictions,  the  blessings  of  the  Lord  were 
multiplied  unto  him,  and  his  last  days  were  his  best  days. 

Such  is  the  character  of  the  Christian  religion,  and  a  glo- 
rious one  it  is. 

And  this  land — the  land  of  our  birth — great  and  powerful 
as  it  is,  may,  by  our  submitting  to  his  will,  and  following 
his  leadings,  become  an  earthly  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
of  his  Christ ;  for  when  righteousness  shall  have  spread  its 
panoply  over  the  hearts  of  the  people,  the  beams  of  the  ris- 
ing sun  will  penetrate  the  dark  recesses  of  sin  and  selfish- 
ness, and  the  name  of  the  Lord  will  be  extolled  everywhere. 


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LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


A  Discourse  delivered  in  Cherry  Street  (end  of)  Meeting 
House,  Philadelphia,  on  First-day  Morning  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting  week,  1883. 

The  religious  Society  of  Friends — of  which  we  form  a 
part — do  not  profess  to  be  the  followers  of  any  man,  but  we 
do  claim  that  we  are  called  upon  to  present  the  Truth  as  it 
in  Jesus  Christ.  We  deem  it  our  duty  thus  to  present  it ; 
and  while  we  do  not  ignore  God's  love  and  care  to  the  chil- 
dren of  men,  as  they  are  shown  unto  us  on  the  pages  of  the 
Old  Testament,  it  is  the  glory  of  the  New  that  we  have  felt 
to  be  our  mission  to  revive,  in  the  simplicity  and  spirituality 
of  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  in  his  birth,  his 
life,  his  work,  his  death  and  his  resurrection.  We  believe, 
as  we  reverently  read  the  New  Testament,  that  in  the  record 
there  presented,  in  the  incidents  there  narrated,  we  have  wit- 
ness to  show  how  the  work  of  God  is  to  be  perfected  in  the 
heart  of  man.  For,  as  our  Lord  declared  to  the  woman  at 
Jacob's  well,  so  we  also  declare  that  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  they 
that  worship  Him -acceptably  must  worship  Him  in  spirit  and 
in  truth  ;  that  it  was  not  the  purpose  of  Jesus  Christ  in  his 
outward  advent,  to  decry  or  to  destroy  the  work  that  had 
gone  before  Him  ;  that  it  was  not  his  mission  to  speak  lightly 
of  the  covenant  which  God  had  made  with  his  people  afore- 
time ;  for  it  pleased  God  in  his  love  to  select,  in  the  ages 
past,  servants  for  the  ushering  in  of  the  light,  even  as  the 
light  of  the  sun  is  ushered  in  by  the  dawn  on  the  horizon. 
So,  by  the  rising  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness,  the  darkness 
was  to  be  dispelled  ;  when  there  would  be  no  more  need  of 
ministering  priests  as  teachers  and  guides,  no  need  of  look- 
ing for  the  law  written  upon  tables  of  stone,  but  they  were 


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327 


to  realize  the  truth  of  the  doctrine  which  had  never  before 
been  so  presented  to  the  people — That  which  teas  to  be  known 
of  God  was  to  be  made  manifest  in  the  hearts  of  men.  What  a 
perfect  manifestation  of  God's  love  we  have  in  tbe  plain 
though  comprehensive  declaration  of  the  prophet  Jeremiah, 
"  The  clays  come,  saith  the  Lord,  when  I  will  make  a  new 
covenant  with  the  house  of  Israel  and  with  the  house  of 
Judah ;  not  according  to  the  covenant  that  I  made  with 
their  fathers,  in  the  day  when  I  took  them  by  the  hand  to 
lead  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ;  because  they  continued 
not  in  my  covenant,  and  I  regarded  them  not,  saith  the 
Lord.  For  this  is  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with  the 
house  of  Israel  after  those  days,  saith  the  Lord  ;  I  will  put 
my  laws  into  their  mind  and  write  them  in  their  hearts, 
and  I  will  be  to  them  a  God,  and  they  shall  be  to  me  a  peo- 
ple ;  and  they  shall  not  teach  every  man  his  neighbor,  and 
every  man  his  brother,  saying,  Know  the  Lord;  for  all  shall 
know  me,  from  the  least  to  the  greatest.  For  I  will  be  mer- 
ciful to  their  unrighteousness,  and  their  sins  and  their  ini- 
quities will  I  remember  no  more." 

What  a  potent  thought  is  this ;  but  is  it  embodied  as  it 
should  be  in  the  teaching  of  to-day  ?  Is  this  the  thought 
that  is  being  spread  out  before  the  people  everywhere  ?  Even 
though,  according  to  history,  we  are  living  in  the  nineteenth 
century,  we  look  around,  and  what  evidence  do  we  see  of 
the  growth  of  the  great  doctrine  which  was  presented  to  the 
world  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  the  temple  is  here  and 
the  temple  is  there  ;  and  the  priest  still  ministers  at  the  altar. 
Is  this  in  accord,  beloved  friends,  with  the  teaching  of 
Jesus  Christ?  Was  it  not  rather  his  mission  to  bring  the 
work  of  God  home  to  every  heart?   Was  it  not  his  purpose 


328 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


to  call  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the  word  nigh  them? 
Even  as  the  apostle  declares  concerning  the  righteousness 
which  is  of  faith,  that  it  speaketh  on  this  wise,  "  The  word 
is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth  and  in  thy  heart :  that  is, 
the  word  of  faith,  which  we  preach."  This  is  the  faith  that 
the  people  of  God,  who  are  called  Friends,  have  ever  taught, 
and  when  they  depart  from  this  great  thought  they  turn  from 
the  faith  of  their  fathers.  It  was  because  the  early  Friends 
proclaimed  this  truth  in  a  dark  age,  that  they  suffered  per- 
secutions; aye,  persecutions  without  number.  It  was  be- 
cause the}'  presented  it  unto  the  people  that  anathemas  were 
hurled  at  them,  and  the  priests  in  their  pulpits  cried  out 
against  them,  and  said,  "  Cursed  be  the  people  that  say, 
'The  Light  of  Christ  is  sufficient;'  and  let  all  the  people 
say,  Amen !" 

Doubtless  there  are  many  here  this  morning — individual 
minds  whose  training  has  been  in  another  school  than  the 
one  in  which  many  of  us  have  been  trained — who  have  had 
stamped  upon  their  early  lives  the  idea  that  religion,  and  es- 
pecially the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  consisted  of  a  long 
train  of  articles  of  belief;  and  here,  in  this  declaration  of 
our  Lord,  the  whole  matter  is  made  so  plain  that  even  a 
child  may  understand  it ;  "  Not  every  one  that  saith  unto 
me,  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven ; 
but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in  Heav- 
en." What  a  far-reaching  thought  this  presents  to  us  to- 
day. No  matter  what  our  condition  in  life,  whether  in- 
structed in  the  things  which  have  been  of  old,  or  not;  here 
is  the  whole  summing  up  of  the  character  of  the  religion  of 
Jesus  Christ;  and  this  is  what  we  desire  to  present  to  the 
people  in  our  words  and  by  our  practice.    It  covers  the 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


329 


whole  ground.  Is  there  anything  more  to  be  desired,  than 
to  enjoy  our  Heavenly  Father's  kingdom  and  government? 
Is  not  this  a  great  matter  to  every  one  here  this  morning? 
Is  there  anything  that  we  can  desire  more  than  to  be  citizens 
of  his  government  ?  We  are  then  as  those  who  have  no  other 
need ,  neither  do  they  need  the  light  of  the  sun  nor  of  the 
moon,  for  the  glory  of  God  doth  lighten  it,  "  and  the  Lamb 
is  the  .light  thereof;"  a  light  that  dispels  all  darkness,  that 
makes  plain  the  path,  so  that  none  have  occasion  at  all  to 
stumble.  We  are  alike  interested  in  this  great  work,  each 
and  every  one  of  us  here  this  morning;  and  as  the  Master 
said  in  addressing  his  little  company,  so  do  I  feel  it  in  my 
heart  to  say  unto  you,  "  Fear  not,  little  flock;  for  it  is  your 
Father's  good  pleasure  to  give  you  the  kingdom."  Yea,  to 
give  it  to  his  children  the  world  over,  wherever  they  are 
found  willing  to  seek  Him,  and  to  obey  his  commandments  ; 
willing  to  regard  everything  else  as  secondary,  that  they  may 
be  numbered  among  his  children.  Can  we  conceive  any- 
thing of  more  vital  import  than  the  relation  of  man  unto  his 
Maker ;  the  position  that  has  been  assigned  him  in  this 
world?  What  is  offered  unto  all  of  us  here  ?  The  Master, 
in  speaking  unto  the  people,  said,  "  Take  my  yoke  upon  you 
and  learn  of  me;  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart ;  and  ye 
shall  find  rest  unto  3rour  souls." 

Do  we  believe  this  promise  ?  Are  we  looking  for  its  ful- 
fillment here?  Or,  are  our  minds  still  so  clouded  and  ham- 
pered by  the  effects  of  education  and  tradition,  that  we  are 
not  looking  for  the  glory  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  here  ? 
Do  we  believe  it  possible,  in  the  nature  of  things,  for  us  to 
enjoy  the  glory  here  ? 

When  I  turn  over  the  pages  of  Holy  Scripture,  and  read 
21 


330 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


the  teaching  of  Jesus  Christ  therein  presented  to  my  under- 
standing, the  idea  is  clear  to  my  mind  that  his  mission  was 
to  declare  that  the  kingdom  of  God  is  already  in  every  man, 
and  that  all  we  need  to  know  or  to  learn  is,  What  is  his 
pleasure?  The  reason  why  we  do  not  know  his  will,  his 
pleasure,  and  that  his  kingdom  is  within  us,  is,  that  dark- 
ness still  covers  our  minds.  It  is  because  the  glorious  day 
has  not  yet  dawned,  although  we  may  view  it  as  afar  off.  A 
mountain  in  the  moonlight,  outlined  in  beauty,  may  seem 
to  be  a  great  way  off,  but  when  the  sun  ascends  and  floods 
it  with  light,  we  see  how  near  it  is.  Even  so  it  is  with  the 
Sun  of  Righteousness.  It  so  clears  our  vision  that  we  are 
ready  to  join  in  the  anthem,  "Great  and  marvellous  are  thy 
works,  Lord  God  Almighty.  Just  and  true  are  thy  ways, 
thou  King  of  Saints  !"  Then  we  feel  the  influence  of  the 
Spirit,  and,  as  in  the  far-ofl"  distance,  seem  to  hear  the  ho- 
sannas  of  the  great  multitude  which  John  saw  in  the  vision, 
saying,  "  Salvation  to  our  God  which  sitteth  upon  the  throne, 
and  unto  the  Lamb." 

And,  dear  friends,  to  whom  my  heart  goes  forth  in  that 
love  which  knows  no  measure,  I  would  that  we  strive,  as 
well  as  desire,  to  become  inhabitants  of  this  glorious  city, 
that  we  may  come  to  know  for  ourselves  that  the  Lord 
liveth,  and  that,  because  He  lives,  we  live  also ;  that  we 
have  known  our  robes  to  be  made  white  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb.  We  are  not  ashamed  of  our  faith,  for  there  is  nothing 
new  in  it — it  is  unanswerably  the  Truth  of  God.  There  were 
many  thousands  who  were  ransomed  and  redeemed.  And 
how  were  they  redeemed  ?  Was  it  not  by  that  power,  that 
love  which  God  hath  given  for  the  ransom  of  all  mankind. 
"  For  God  so  loved  the  world  that  He  gave  his  only  begotten 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


331 


Son,  that  whosoever  would  helieve  in  Him  should  not  per- 
ish, but  should  have  everlasting  life."  Go  back  to  the  time 
of  the  Apostles — men  like  ourselves — and  read  their  testi- 
mony as  to  how  they  were  delivered ;  then  turn  to  the  Old 
Testament,  and  you  may  find  where  Moses  sang,  "  He  found 
him  in  a  desert  land,  and  in  the  waste,  howling  wilderness ; 
He  led  him  about,  He  instructed  him,  He  kept  him  as  the 
apple  of  his  eye;"  and  where  the  Psalmist  gives  his  own 
experience,  "  He  brought  me  up,  also,  out  of  a  horrible  pit, 
out  of  the  miry  clay,  and  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock  and  estab- 
lished my  goings.  And  He  hath  put  a  new  song  in  my 
mouth,  even  praise  unto  our  God.  Many  shall  see  it,  and 
fear,  and  shall  trust  in  the  Lord."  Such  are  the  songs  of 
the  ransomed  and  redeemed  of  the  Lord.  But  we  cannot 
bring  ourselves  up.  God  has  not  given  unto  man,  naturally, 
the  ability  to  deliver  himself  from  the  power  of  sin,  but  we  do 
believe  that  men  can  be  saved,  and  that  the  power  which 
saves  is  offered  freely  unto  all  men,  without  money  and 
without  price;  that  the  love  of  God  for  his  creature,  man, 
whom  He  made  in  his  own  image,  is  such  that  He  wills  not 
that  any  should  perish,  but  that  all  should  return,  repent  and 
live. 

Let  us  not  be  understood  here  as  presenting  the  thought 
that  that  Son,  that  Saving  Power,  was  only  known  to  the 
world  nineteen  hundred  years  ago.  ISTo,  my  brethren,  God's 
love  for  man  has  been  the  same  from  the  beginning,  and  the 
blessed  Jesus  himself  said  to  the  Jews,  "  Before  Abraham 
was,  I  AM."  The  Most  High,  speaking  to  Moses,  said,  "  I 
AM  that  I  AM,"  and  He  said,  "  Thus  shalt  thou  say  unto 
the  children  of  Israel,  "  I  AM  hath  sent  me." 

It  is  only  sin  which  separates  us  from  God.    So,  if  there 


332 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


are  any  here  who  feel  that  their  sins  and  iniquities  are  to- 
day separating  them  from  their  God,  let  me  say  to  such, 
the  way  is  open ;  for  do  Ave  not  find  it  recorded,  "  Though 
your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as  snow ;  though 
they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool."  There 
must  be  a  condition  attained  which  recognizes  the  power  of 
God,  open  to  any  man,  to  put  away  evil.  This  is  the  first 
step,  "  Cease  to  do  evil,"  and  know  ye  that,  as  ye  ask  aright, 
grace  will  be  given  unto  you  for  all  your  needs. 

The  second  step  is,  "  Learn  to  do  well,"  and,  "  though 
your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as  snow; 
though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool."  So 
the  covering  or  hiding  or  blotting  out  of  sin  does  not  rest 
with  ourselves,  but  with  the  merciful  God,  whose  love  is  so 
great  that,  with  the  Prodigal  Son,  we  may  approach  Him 
and  say,  "  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven  and  before 
thee."  But  why  should  it  be  so  necessary  to  speak  of  this 
part  of  the  subject?  How  much  more  comforting  is  it  to 
refer  to  the  goodness  of  God,  to  speak  of  his  love,  of  his  bless- 
ing, to  tell  how  He  blesses  his  children,  to  say  that  his  blessing 
is  with  us  every  morning,  and  that  He  never  turns  any  away. 
I  love  to  speak  of  the  Truth,  presenting — unto  the  young 
especially — the  goodness  of  God  and  his  love;  that  He  never 
turns  a  deaf  ear,  but  is  ever  ready  to  hear ;  that  his  love  is 
ever  going  out  to  his  people,  and  that  He  preserves  them  in 
the  hollow  of  his  hand.  If  we  go  away,  it  is  our  going  away, 
for  He  does  not  drive  any  away.  He  never  imposes'anything 
upon  his  children,  beyond  what  is  for  their-  good. 

I  want  to  encourage  you  to  turn  away  from  the  gratifica- 
tion of  any  wrong  desires  that  come  springing  up  in  the 
human  heart.    Prefer  rather  to  live  by  his  love ;  prefer  to 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


333 


walk  in  the  narrow  path  that  He  hath  marked  out  for  his 
children,  and  you  will  then  "  grow  in  grace  and  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ."  Then  will  you 
perceive  that  the  pathway  marked  out  for  you  is  a  bright 
one.  You  will  come  to  see  its  loveliness,  to  be  introduced 
into  the  association  of  the  children  of  God  and  counted 
worthy  to  be  numbered  among  them.  Thus  you  will  come 
to  realize  the  pleasant  paths  of  the  Christian,  come  to  realize 
religious  thought  growing  in  your  minds  and  filling  them 
with  "the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understanding," 
come  to  experience  that  "  a  day" — yea,  even  an  hour — "  in 
his  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand."  Then  will  you  desire 
more  than  aught  else  to  be  numbered  among  his  children. 
Then  you  will  love  all  who  suffer  and  will  feel  the  mantle  of 
charity  covering  your  spirit — a  feeling  that  will  cause  you 
to  look  upon  the  poor  sinner  with  an  eye  of  pity  rather  than 
of  censure.  Then  will  you  find  that  your  greatest  jo}7  is  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  waiting  upon  his  precious  word  and 
being  permitted  to  adopt  the  prayer  taught  by  our  blessed 
Saviour : 

"  Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  thy  name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil.  For  thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  forever.  Amen." 


331 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Delivered  at  Friends'  Meeting-House,  Girard  Avenue, 
Philadelphia,  Sixth  Month  17th,  1883. 

We  have  met  here  this  morning  for  the  important  purpose 
of  waiting  upon  Almighty  God,  the  Author  of  our  heing,  to 
whom  we  owe  all  our  blessings.  It  is  well  for  us  thus  to 
present  our  bodies.  It  is  well  for  us  thus  to  come  together, 
to  wait  upon  Him,  for  He  remains  to  be  the  Teacher  of  his 
people  himself,  and,  possessing  all  power,  He  sees  and  knows 
us  just  as  we  are.  It  is  one  of  the  greatest  blessings  that 
He  has  conferred  upon  the  children  of  men,  that  He  is  the 
Teacher  of  his  people  himself ;  that,  to-day,  He  dispenses 
milk  to  babes  and  meat  to  strong  men.  It  is  thus  that  all 
are  ministered  unto.  As  the  wise  parent  discriminates  in 
the  character  of  the  food  to  be  given  to  the  children,  adapt- 
ing it  to  their  varied  conditions,  so  does  our  Heavenly  Par- 
ent adapt  the  food,  the  spiritual  food,  unto  his  children. 
How  comforting  it  should  be  to  us  to  remember  that  we  are 
not  dependent  one  upon  another  to  know  the  Lord,  "  for 
they  shall  all  know  Me,  from  the  least  of  them  unto  the 
greatest  of  them,  saith  the  Lord.''  My  own  experience  con- 
firms  the  truth  of  this,  for  I  remember,  from  very  early  life, 
the  tender  impressions  made  upon  my  mind  whilst  in  that 
babe-like  condition,  and  I  believe,  as  the  Scriptures  bear 
witness — speaking  figuratively — that,  "  As  the  mountains 
are  round  about  Jerusalem,  so  the  Lord  is  round  about  his 
people  from  henceforth  even  forever."  And  as  He  is  always 
near  us,  so  is  He  ever  ready  to  minister  to  our  wants.  This 
belief  constitutes  one  of  the  cardinal  principles  of  the  relig- 
ious Society  of  Friends.  They  recognize  that  there  has 
been  no  change,  through  the  various  periods  of  time,  in  the 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


335 


manner  of  God's  dealing  with  his  creature  man;  but.  as  the 
Holy  Scriptures  bear  witness,  that  He  is  "the  same  yester- 
day, and  to-day  and  forever,"  and  that  in  Him  "is  no  vari- 
ableness, neither  shadow  of  turning."  This  being  the  case, 
it  may  be  web1  to  bring  to  our  remembrance  the  events  of 
the  past,  as  the  accounts  thereof  have  been  handed  down 
from  generation  to  generation  in  the  volume  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures.  These  sacred  writings  bear  witness  to  the  in- 
struction of  God  to  his  creature  man;  and,  symbolical  as 
they  are,  in  those  early  days  of  written  records,  in  no  better 
way  could  the  dealings  of  the  Most  High  with  the  human 
family  have  been  presented.  For,  as  God  is  a  Spirit,  so  the 
operations  of  his  power  in  our  hearts  must  be  of  like  char- 
acter. And  hence  we  find  it  recorded  in  the  pages  of  Holy 
Writ  that  He  visited  the  children  of  men,  that  He  spake  to 
Adam  in  the  Garden  of  Eden,  and  gave  unto  him  his  com- 
mandments, in  order  for  the  preservation  of  life,  and  that, 
through  all  after-periods  of  time,  God  spake  unto  his  ser- 
vants often  through  the  great  leaders  of  the  people,  that  they 
should  speak  unto  those  around  them.  And,  as  the  people 
hearkened  unto  the  commandments  of  God,  coming  from 
their  teachers,  they  experienced  preservation  of  their  lives. 

Trace  it  down  through  rarious  portions  of  the  Sacred 
Record,  but  most  especially  in  the  early  pages,  and  we  find 
God  making  himself  known  unto  Abraham,  Isaac  and  Ja- 
cob; how  He  communed  with  them  and  showed  them  what 
He  required  at  their  hands.  After  that  period  of  time,  com- 
ing down  to  the  descendants  of  Jacob,  we  follow7  Joseph  into 
Egypt,  where  he  was  to  be  the  preserver  of  life,  for  there 
was  a  famine  in  the  land,  and  the  Lord  made  use  of  Joseph, 
who  had  been  sold  by  his  brethren  into  the  land  of  Egypt ; 


336 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Low  God  helped  him  in  the  land  of  bondage ;  how,  though 
badly  treated  and  confined  within  the  prison-walls  for  years 
by  the  inscrutable  workings  of  that  Power  which  knoweth 
all  things  and  seeth  all  things,  ultimately  Joseph  became  the 
instrument  of  the  Lord,  not  only  in  saving  the  people  of 
Egypt,  but  also  in  saving  his  father's  house  ;  how,  in  after 
years,  the  children  of  Jacob  multiplied  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
but  when  there  arose  a  king  who  knew  not  Joseph,  the 
Egytians — instead  of  having  a  regard  for  those  whose  ances- 
tors had  been  instrumental  in  preserving  the  lives  of  their 
people — persecuted  the  Israelites,  making  of  them  servants, 
and  exacting  from  them  hard  things.  Yes,  and  the  record 
tells  us  that  they  imposed  one  condition  after  another,  even 
to  the  taking  away  of  the  straw  that  was  to  make  part  of  the 
brick.  But  their  cries  "  entered  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord 
of  Sabaoth,"  and,  in  his  own  time,  He  raised  up  a  deliverer. 

It  is  not  necessar}"  to  enter  into  a  full  account  of  the  find- 
ing of  Moses,  the  son  of  an  Israelitish  woman  ;  how  he  was 
preserved  by  this  daughter  of  Israel,  who,  looking  upon  the 
child,  beheld  his  comeliness,  his  beauty,  and,  in  the  spirit  of 
maternal  affection,  sought  his  preservation  and  laid  him  in 
the  flags;  how,  in  the  workings  of  that  Power,  the  ark  con- 
taining him  was  seen  by  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  as  she 
was  walking  on  the  river-bank;  how  he  was  cared  for  by  her, 
and,  when  of  proper  age,  educated  in  the  arts  and  the  lore 
of  the  Egyptians. 

In  the  course  of  events,  owing  to  surrounding  circum- 
stances, he  fled,  and  we  find  him  keeping  the  sheep  of 
Jethro,  his  father-in-law,  on  the  plains  of  Midian,  where  he 
became  a  shepherd.  Let  us  look  at  the  occupation  of  a 
shepherd,  one  who  watches  over  his  flock.  What  a  beautiful 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


337 


type  is  this  of  the  character  of  our  God,  who  is  often  spoken 
of  as  "The  unslumbering  Shepherd  of  Israel,"  slumbering 
not,  neither  by  night  nor  by  day,  but  forever  watching  over 
his  people  everywhere.  For  He  has  his  eye  over  all  his 
creatures,  and  when  any  of  them  go  astray  like  sheep,  He 
reaches  out  the  crook  of  his  love,  seeking  to  gather  them 
within  the  green  pastures  and  beside  the  still  waters,  where 
rest  the  children  of  the  heavenly  kingdom. 

As  we  trace  the  wonderful  power  of  God  in  his  dealings 
with  these  Israelites,  we  see,  later  on,  where  He  met  with 
Moses,  keeping  the  sheep,  and  there  informed  him,  by  the 
burning  bush,  what  he  was  to  do.  And  Moses  heard  the 
voice  of  the  Lord,  saying,  "  Put  off  thy  shoes  from  off  thy 
feet,  for  the  place  whereon  thou  standest  is  holy  ground." 
Yes,  for  God  was  there,  his  power  and  presence  were  there, 
and,  therefore,  in  that  relation,  it  ivas  holy  ground.  More- 
over, he  said,  "  I  am  the  God  of  thy  father,  the  God  of 
Abrabam,  the  God  of  Isaac  and  the  God  of  Jacob.  And 
Moses  hid  his  face,  for  he  was  afraid  to  look  upon  God." 

Let  us  look  at  things  as  they  are,  and  let  none  of  us  feel 
that  the  former  day  was  different  from  our  day.  It  is  the 
disposition  of  the  children  of  men  to-day  to  look  upon  the 
people  that  lived  at  that  time  and  the  ministrations  and  dis- 
pensations meted  out  to  them  as  different  from  those  of 
to-day.  There  is  an  idea  now  that  God  is  not  the  same,  that 
He  does  not  appear  or  speak  unto  us  as  He  did  unto  the 
people  of  old.  My  own  experience  has  taught  me  that  He 
is  the  same.  I  know  very  well  that  He  spake  unto  me  in 
the  morning  of  my  life,  and  that  He  has  made  known  his 
will  concerning  me  as  clearly  as  anything  I  have  ever  found 
recorded  upon  the  page  of  Holy  Writ  or  that  was  ever 
penned. 


338 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Farther  on  we  read  from  the  familiar  record  that  the  Lord 
sent  Moses;  that  there  were  long  pleadings  hetween  him 
and  Pharaoh  concerning  the  children  of  Israel,  which  is  but 
the  Lord's  pleading  with  the  people  to  come  out  from  under 
the  dominion  and  power  of  the  flesh,  representing  man  in 
that  condition  wherein  he  is  in  bondage,  serving  a  master 
other  than  God.  And  when  Pharaoh  refused  to  let  the  Is- 
raelitish  people  go,  that  they  might  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord 
their  God,  one  dispensation,  one  affliction,  one  trouble  fol- 
lowed another,  until,  ultimately,  there  appeared  to  be  a 
willingness  wrought  to  let  the  people  go.  Let  us  bring  this 
home,  for  these  efforts  must  be  applicable  to  people's  states 
and  conditions  at  the  present  time.  Let  us  apply  them  to 
ourselves,  let  us — looking  into  our  own  hearts — see  whether 
the  good — comparable  to  the  Israelitish  people  in  Egypt — 
is  being  oppressed  and  held  in  bondage  by  the  Pharaoh  who 
is  our  ruler.  Whilst  the  precious  seed  is  thus  oppressed, 
there  is  a  power  ruling  over  it  comparable  to  the  natural 
man — for  the  natural  man,  that  which  is  of  the  earth,  earthy, 
is  an  oppressor — and  Pharaoh  is  here  represented  as  such. 

The  things  there  written  illustrate  to  us  that,  though  we 
may  feel  ourselves  bound  with  "the  lust  of  the  flesh,  the 
lust  of  the  eyes  and  the  pride  of  life,"  and  that  these  have 
dominion  over  the  good  in  us,  holding  it  in  subjection,  so 
that  it  is  not  permitted  to  free  us  from  abuses  and  sins,  yet 
remember,  my  brother,  my  sister,  there  is  a  Power  superior 
to  any  finite  power  pleading  with  thee.  Pharaoh,  as  king 
of  Egypt,  represented  the  finite  power,  ruling  the  lords  of 
state.  Yet  even  that  power  was  ultimately  brought  into 
subjection  to  the  greater  One.  When  the  children  of  Israel 
passed  out  on  their  way,  Pharaoh  and  his  hosts  sought  to 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


339 


pursue  them,  and  the  record  is  that  the  Lord  made  a  way 
for  his  people,  but  the  chariot  wheels  of  the  Egyptians 
dragged  heavily,  and  the  sea,  that  had  rolled  back  to  make 
way  for  the  children  of  Israel,  closed  again,  and  the  hosts 
of  Pharaoh  were  overwhelmed. 

I  am  no  atheist.  On  the  contrary,  I  am  a  believer  in  the 
power  of  God.  Human  wisdom  may  look  at  this  account  and 
question  it,  but  to  the  anointed  eye  of  the  believer  it  exhibits 
the  power  of  the  Almighty.  It  exemplifies  for  our  consid- 
eration that,  as  wTe  obey  his  commandments — though  the 
way  may  not  appear  plain,  though  difficulties  may  seem  to 
be  insurmountable — we  shall  be  safely  led  along  until  we 
have  made  our  escape  from  Egypt  and  from  the  tyranny  of 
its  king.  Though  the  wisdom  of  the  world  is  disposed  to  at- 
tribute these  occurrences  to  natural  causes,  I  am  a  believer 
in  the  Almighty  power  of  God,  and  that  with  Him  there  is 
nothing  impossible.  Men  may  become  so  steeped  in  sin, 
such  slaves  to  their  propensities,  as  to  feel  that  they  are 
hopelessly  under  the  dominion  thereof  and  ready  to  cry  out, 
"  0,  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  Who  shall  deliver  me  from 
the  body  of  this  death  !"  There  have  been  such  conditions, 
and  there  may  be  such  to-day.  Men  who  feel  themselves 
bound  as  with  fetters,  having  surrendered  themselves  up  to 
the  gratification  of  self,  so  as  to  shut  out  the  face  of  God, 
and  gone  on  from  one  condition  to  another,  disregarding  the 
manifestation  of  his  purposes,  until  they  have  become  entan- 
gled as  in  a  net,  from  which  they  cannot  extricate  themselves. 
But,  thank  God  !  there  is  a  power  that  is  sufficient.  The 
arm  of  the  Lord  is  held  out  and  goes  reaching,  reaching  out 
for  the  liberation  of  every  one  who  has  been  made  sensible 
of  his  condition  and  who  is  willing  to  look  unto  this  Source 
for  deliverance. 


340 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


But  there  may  be  other  doctrines  preached,  other  thoughts 
presented,  and  there  may  be  held  out  the  idea  that  we  can 
sace  ourselves.  Do  not  the  evidences  of  the  past  clearly 
demonstrate  that  man,  of  himself,  is  a  very  finite  creature  ? 
Now  I  want  us  to  remember  that  God  wills  not  the  death  of 
any,  but  that  it  is  his  purpose  that  we  should  all  return,  re- 
pent and  live.  When  men  seek  by  their  finite  powers,  how- 
ever much  these  may  have  been  cultivated,  to  adduce  argu- 
ments or  to  deduce  conclusions  concerning  religion,  let  them 
bear  in  mind  the  great  truth  that  "  The  wisdom  of  this  world 
is  foolishness  with  God." 

I  might  continue  to  trace  the  history  of  the  workings  of 
this  Power  from  generation  to  generation,  for  therein  is 
clearly  demonstrated  and  exemplified  what  is  necessary  for 
preservation,  also  that  God  taketh  care  of  his  people.  In 
the  journey  of  the  Israelites  you  may  read  the  journey  of 
your  own  life,  as  I  have  of  mine.  The  history  of  that  people 
is  but  the  reflection  .of  what  is  constantly  going  on  in  and 
for  man.  There  do  we  see  exemplified  the  weakness  of 
human  nature  ;  there  do  we  see  the  disposition  to  disobey 
the  commandments  of  God ;  there  do  we  see  his  condescen- 
sion in  supplying  their  needs  and  even  their  desires  when 
these  were  not  in  rebellion  against  his  will.  He  gave  them 
manna  and  quail,  and,  when  they  were  thirsting,  the  flinty 
rock  gave  forth  its  refreshing  waters  when  smitten  by  Moses 
at  the  command  of  the  Most  High.  He  also  gave  unto  them 
an  unerring  guide,  even  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night  and  the 
pillar  of  cloud  by  day.  Thus  is  it  shown  that,  though  we 
may  backslide  from  Him,  He  still  helps  us.  Such  is  the 
love  of  God  and  such  his  care  over  the  workmanship  of  his 
hand.    And  they  are  as  great  to-day  and  the  manifestations 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


341 


of  himself  unto  the  sons  and  daughters  of  men — if  they  give 
attention  thereto — are  as  possible  to  us  as  they  were  to  the 
Israelites  when  they  were  led  out  of  Egypt  and  iuto  the 
Promised  Land. 

Now,  my  dear  friends,  turn  to  the  history  of  the  life  of 
Abraham,  and  you  discover  that,  as  he  was  faithful  to  the 
commandments  of  God,  he  was  called  the  father  of  the  faith- 
ful. In  obedience  to  those  commandments,  he  did  not  refuse 
to  comply  even  to  spare  his  son,  the  child  of  his  old  age,  but 
was  ready  to  offer  him  up.  And  those  who  are  obedient 
and  faithful,  as  was  he,  are  called  his  seed,  and  in  every 
nation,  kindred,  tongue  and  people  these  exist,  and  are 
under  the  Almighty's  protection,  his  power  reaching  out  to 
such. 

We  also  find  in  the  record  that  there  were  thousands  who 
did  not  acknowledge  God,  but  who  worshipped  the  work 
of  men's  hands.  Pause  here.  Let  us  look  and  inquire 
whether  we  are  free  from  idolatry.  Let  us  examine  as  to 
what  constitutes  idolatry.  Is  it  that  we  should  have  a  statue 
upon  a  pedestal  to  fall  down  and  worship  it  ?  Is  that  the 
requisite  to  being  an  idolater?  It  might  be  well  for  us  to 
pause  and  look  into  the  mirror  in  our  own  hearts,  before  we 
hurl  the  verbal  arrows  of  our  indignation  and  scorn  at  intel- 
ligent people  who  are  found  worshipping  idols.  My  friends, 
I  sometimes  think,  when  I  read  the  views  of  certain  men, 
or  hear  them  expressed,  that  we  have  idolatry  to-day.  If 
we  are  leaning  upon  and  trusting  in  our  own  opinions,  im- 
ages that  have  been  formed  in  our  minds,  or  if  we  are  ready 
to  worship  the  dogmas  and  opinions  of  other  men — which 
are  the  images  that  have  been  carved  out  in  their  minds — if 
we  defend  these,  guard  them  and  are  tenacious  of  them, 


342 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


what  are  we  doing?  Whatever  we  love  most,  that  we  wor- 
ship. This  proposition  must  be  admitted  by  all  who  have 
given  the  subject  careful  thought.  Let  us  not  be  disposed 
to  look  with  so  much  indignation  upon  the  people  of  the 
past  or  upon  the  Orientals  of  to-day  because  they  worship 
idols.  We  may  not  practice  our  idolatry  in  the  same  way, 
our  images  may  not  be  of  the  same  kind  as  are  theirs  whom 
we  so  freely  censure,  but  let  us  examine  ourselves  honestly 
in  the  search  for  our  idols.  I  want  us  to  look  at  these  things, 
for  I  am  interested  that  we  should  become  the  children  of 
our  Heavenly  Father.  In  standing  here  this  morning  my 
concern  is  that  we  may  individually  come  into  the  posses- 
session  of  the  pearl  of  great  price,  that  we  come  to  know 
our  Redeemer,  who  loveth  us  and  who  gave  his  life  that  we 
might  be  saved.  As  the  great  truths  of  Holy  Scripture  are 
brought  to  our  view,  we  should  try  to  know  where  we  are 
and  what  is  our  condition.  Whether  we  are  like  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  when  they  were  in  bondage,  or  whether  we 
have  witnessed  our  deliverance  and  are  on  the  journey  trav- 
eling toward  the  Promised  Land.  Whether  we  still  have 
stumbling- blocks,  or  whether,  through  the  mercy  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus,  we  have  known  the  shackles  to  be  broken, 
known  an  overcoming  of  the  enemies  of  Israel,  and,  having 
traversed  the  wilderness  and  crossed  the  Jordan,  spiritually, 
have  found  an  entrance  into  the  Promised  Land. 

The  religion  that  I  am  interested  in  building  up  is  of  that 
character  which  is  presented  upon  the  pages  of  Holy  Writ, 
with  the  promises  of  eternal  life.  Now,  no  man  can  do  the 
work  of  religion  for  us,  for  we  are  all  called  to  work  out  our 
own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling.  For  it  is  God  which 
worketh  in  you  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure. 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


343 


The  all-wise  God  not  only  brought  out  the  children  of  Israel, 
with  Moses  for  their  leader,  but  He  gave  them  the  law;  yet 
this  was  not  perfect,  but  for  the  bringing  in  of  a  better  hope. 

In  the  records  we  find  that  John  the  Baptist  came  as  "  The 
voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of 
the  Lord,  make  his  paths  straight."  We  discover  that  this 
voice  was  listened  to,  for  the  people  were  baptized  by  John 
in  Jordan,  confessing  their  sins.  We  feel  better  for  it  when 
we  have  confessed  our  sins.  This  is  an  important  step,  and 
after  this  it  would  seem  that  we  are  in  a  condition  to  hear 
the  voice  of  another.  In  the  course  of  time,  as  we  read,  oc- 
curred the  birth  of  Jesus.  How  beautiful  a  type  his  life  is, 
beautiful  and  true.  Born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  who,  when 
the  angel  of  the  Lord  visited  her  and  informed  her  what 
should  come  to  pass,  queried  how  this  thing  could  be,  which, 
to  her  natural  understanding,  seemed  to  be  so  incomprehen- 
sible. Yet,  in  humble  trust,  she  bowed  to  the  will  of  God, 
and  surrendered  herself  with  this  expression,  "  Be  it  unto 
me  according  to  thy  word." 

There  are  those  who  would  deny  the  truth  of  God,  but  I 
own  the  record  just  as  I  find  it  there. 

Now  how  far  have  we  traveled  on  this  interesting  jour- 
ney? Where  are  we  to-da}7?  In  our  peculiar  conditions, 
probably  no  two  of  us  are  exactly  alike,  no  two  have  at- 
tained to  the  same  degree  of  growth.  But  have  we  been 
faithful  to  what  has  been  manifested  ?  Have  we  hearkened 
to  the  voice  of  God?  Remember,  "No  man  can  save  his 
brother  or  give  to  God  a  ransom  for  his  soul."  But  there 
is  a  Saviour,  there  is  a  Redeemer,  and  that  Saviour,  that 
Redeemer,  is  Christ  the  Lord.  Blessed  be  God,  who  so 
loved  the  world  that  He  hath  given  this  Saviour  into  the 


344 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


world,  that  whosoever  is  willing  to  receive  Him,  in  the  way 
of  his  coming,  shall  not  perish,  but  shall  have  everlasting 
life.  This  is  the  interesting  part.  I  want  you  to  bear  in 
remembrance  this  very  word,  shall,  not  will,  have  eternal  life, 
but  shall  have  it.  Now  this  constitutes  the  glory  of  the  religion 
that  is  presented  unto  the  world  in  the  life  of  the  Son  of  God, 
Jesus  Christ.  His  mission,  as  it  is  recorded  on  the  page  of  the 
New  Testament,  was  to  put  an  end  to  sin  and  to  deliver  us 
from  the  dominion  and  power  of  the  devil.  What  do  we 
know  about  this  precious  Saviour!  Have  we  the  evidence 
that  He  has  been  brought  forth  in  our  hearts?  Have  we 
known  the  Child  born,  the  Son  given,  and  is  the  govern- 
ment of  our  lives  resting  upon  his  shoulders  ?  Are  we,  from 
our  hearts,  ready  to  call  Him  the  Mighty  God,  the  Everlast- 
ing Father  and  the  Prince  of  Peace?  Note  the  expression, 
"  The  Prince  of  Peace,"  because  it  is  He  that  makes  the 
peace,  and  no  man  is  at  peace  unless  he  has  come  to  know 
the  begotten  of  the  Father  brought  forth  within  his  soul. 
There  is  no  peace  short  of  that  which  emanates  from  this 
source,  that  peace  of  which  the  Master  said,  "  Peace  I  leave 
with  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto  you  ;  not  as  the  world  giveth, 
give  I  unto  you." 

My  brethren  and  sisters,  my  heart  travails  this  morning 
in  solicitude  for  us  all,  that  we  may  come  to  be  the  children 
of  our  "Father  which  is  in  heaven;  for  He  maketh  his  sun 
to  riBe  on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the 
just  and  on  the  unjust."  Oh,  the  love  of  God  !  It  surpass- 
eth  all  understanding.  For,  as  one  formerly  declared,  "Eye 
hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the 
heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them 
that  love  Him."    Oh,  that  I  could,  by  any  words  of  mine, 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


345 


stir  the  hearts  of  some  that  are  present  this  morning,  to  let 
go  their  hold  upon  the  world,  so  that  they  may  come  to  ex- 
perience the  power  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  declaring  "  I  am  the 
resurrection  and  the  life.  He  that  believeth  in  me,  though 
he  were  dead,'  yet  shall  he  live.  And  whosoever  liveth  and 
believeth  in  me  shall  never  die."  Oh,  this  glorious  Chris- 
tian faith,  to  which  is  attached  the  promise,  "  Shall  never 
die."  Thank  God,  there  is  a  power  that  man  may  possess 
here,  may  live  in  the  world,  surrounded  by  the  wickedness 
thereof,  and  yet  be  preserved  from  sin. 

My  friends,  how  are  we  to  come  into  possession  of  the 
pearl  of  great  price  ?  Are  not  the  terms  for  obtaining  this 
most  precious  treasure  the  same  as  they  have  ever  been  ? 
The  Master  said,  "He  that  loveth  father  or  mother  more 
than  me  is  not  worthy  of  me ;  and  he  that  loveth  son  or 
daughter  more  than  me  is  not  worthy  of  me.  And  he  that 
taketh  not  his  cross  and  followeth  after  me  is  not  worthy  of 
me."  He  names  the  dearest  objects  of  human  affection, 
thus  clearly  illustrating  that  if  we  love  anything  more  than 
we  love  Him  we  are  not  worthy  of  Him. 

Search  yourselves,  prove  yourselves.  For  it  is  by  search- 
ing and  proving  ourselves  that  we  come  to  know  ourselves. 
The  Apostle  queries  with  the  Corinthians,  "  Know  ye  not 
your  own  selves  how  that  Jesus  Christ  is  in  you,  except  ye 
be  reprobates  V  Let  us  not  here  misunderstand  the  mean- 
ing of  Paul,  and  think  that  he  intends  to  convey  the  idea 
that  Christ  is  not  in  the  reprobate.  No,  no;  but  what  He 
means  is  that  the  reprobate  does  not  know  that  He  is  within 
him.  But  He  is  there,  and  it  is  his  presence  that  causes  a 
stir,  an  uneasiness  in  the  soul  of  the  reprobate. 

As  the  words  have  come  into  my  mouth  I  have  given 

22 


346 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


them  utterance.  I  have  hut  one  purpose,  but  one  object  in 
view,  and  that  is,  to  do  what  I  can  to  persuade  men;  to  call 
their  attention  to  the  source  whence  all  good  comes ;  to  en- 
courage, to  exhort  them,  to  let  nothing  hinder,  but  to  pur- 
sue a  straightforward  course,  and  so  travel  on  as  to  come 
into  the  possession  and  enjoyment  of  eternal  life.  It  was 
for  this  purpose  that  man  was  created,  to  come  into  and  to 
enjoy  eternal  life;  a  condition  of  which  it  may  be"  practically 
said  that  "  The  wicked  cease  from  troubling  and  the  weary 
are  at  rest;"  where  the  soul  is  at  rest  in  the  arms  of  its  Re- 
deemer. 

I  know  there  is  much  in  the  world  to  attract  and  to  allure, 
to  draw  away  from  this  peaceful,  as  well  as  safe,  condition ; 
but  my  dear  young  people,  my  desire  for  you  is,  that  you 
will  enter  into  covenant,  as  did  the  people  at  the  exhortation 
of  Joshua,  "  The  Lord  our  God  will  we  serve,  and  his  voice 
will  we  obe}\"  And  as  you  are  faithful  in  keeping  this 
promise,  you  will  receive  that  which  was  given  to  Israel  for 
an  everlasting  covenant.  "Unto  thee  will  I  give  the  land  of 
Canaan,  the  lot  of  your  inheritance."  Then  "  Choose  you 
this  day  whom  ye  will  serve."  You  will  never  regret  it,  for 
as  you  advance  on  the  journey  of  life  you  will  see  how  many 
are  holding  back  and  risking  the  dangers  of  delay.  You 
may  call  to  mind  some  one,  very  dear  to  you,  who  has 
been  removed  in  the  morning  of  life,  thus  bringing  you  to 
face  the  solemn  reality  that,  whilst  the  old  must  die,  the 
young  may  die.  Then  how  wise  it  would  be  for  you  to 
make  the  choice  now,  and  to  live  with  your  hearts  so  given 
up  to  serve  your  God,  that  no  matter  when  the  call  may  be 
extended  to  you,  you  may  be  prepared  to  render  up  with 
joy  your  earthly  lives. 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


347 


And,  dear  fathers  and  mothers,  you — with  whom  I  class 
myself — must  depart,  and  the  places  that  know  us  now  will 
soon  know  us  no  more  forever.  Oh,  that  we  may  have  fur- 
nished us  the  blessed  evidence  that  we  are  at  peace  with  our 
God  ! 


Selections  Taken  From  Discourses  Delivered  at  Different 
Times  During  the  Last  Two  Years  of  His  Life. 

God  is  a  God  of  love,  not  of  hatred.  His  dealings  with 
mankind  exemplify  this.  It  is  not  the  will  of  our  Creator 
that  any  man  should  perish.  We  were  not  brought  into  the 
world  for  such  a  purpose.  If  any  one  fall  short  of  the  pur- 
pose of  his  creation  the  fault  must  lie  at  his  own  door. 
There  may  be  conditions  around  him — the  example  of  others 
for  instance — exerting  their  influence,  but  it  is  his  own  fault 
if  he  accept  not  the  free  grace  which  would  give  him 
strength  to  resist  such  influence.  Just  in  proportion  as  the 
world  violates  the  commandments  of  God,  must  every  vio- 
lator carry  with  him  a  certain  measure  of  the  responsibility, 
not  only  in  its  application  to  himself,  but  also  in  the  effect 
produced  by  his  example  upon  others. 

Now,  is  it  not  a  marvel  that  any  responsible  human  being 
should  be  willing  to  live  without  God  in  the  world  ?  Does 
he  think  that  the  gratification  of  "  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  and 
the  lust  of  the  eyes,  and  the  pride  of  life,"  will  yield  him  a 
return  worthy  of  the  name  of  enjoyment  ?  Does  he  stop  to 
consider  that,  while  partaking  of  this  gratification,  he  is 
constantly  in  danger,  and  that,  if  he  pursue  the  course  to  its 
goal,  he  will  find  it  the  entrance  to  a  state  of  misery  ? 


348 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


Would  he  rather  tall  into  the  hands  of  men  than  to  he  under 
the  protection  of  the  All-beneficent  Creator?  Why,  how- 
can  any  one  be  so  deluded  ?  There  are  few  men  but  would 
deprive  us  of  a  great  many  good  things  which  God  would 
not  deprive  us  of.  Then,  why  should  we  be  living  without 
God  in  this  world,  when,  to  fulfill  the  purposes  and  enjoy 
the  works  of  his  creation,  we  must  know  Him  ? 

Now,  He  is  not  afar  off  from  any  of  us,  but  stands  ready 
to  help  us,  offering  himself  to  be  the  director  of  our  lives. 
Then,  why  should  we  refuse  his  guidance?  He  never  gave 
to  any  man  a  law,  nor  imposed  upon  him  a  prohibition  that 
was  not  for  that  man's  good.  Men  may  make  laws  and  may 
prohibit  free  action  altogether,  in  order  to  keep  you  entirely 
under  their  own  control,  but  Divine  Goodness  never  treats 
his  children  in  that  way.  The  Omniscient  One  knows  our 
diverse  peculiarities  and  temperaments,  and,  taking  us  just 
as  we  are,  He  imposes  those,  and  only  those  restraints 
which  are  necessary  for  our  preservation.  Then,  why 
should  we  even  hesitate  about  submitting  to  his  prohibitions 
and  obeying  his  laws  ?  The  young  man  or  the  young  woman 
who  makes  it  the  primal  consideration  of  life  to  hearken  to 
and  obey  the  voice  of  God — which  speaks  by  impressions 
made  upon  the  soul — will  be  kept  in  safety  and  will  not  lose 
any  of  the  joys  of  earth  that  are  worth  retaining. 

There  may  be  restrictions  imposed  upon  us  at  one  stage 
of  our  experience  for  our  benefit  just  at  that  tim.e,  and  if  we 
resignedly  accept  them  (making  no  attempt  in  our  own  will 
to  remove  them),  they  may,  at  the  proper  time,  be  taken 
away  by  the  same  Hand  that  placed  them  upon  us.  Then 
other  duties,  positive  or  negative,  may  be  required  of  us, 
and  we  must  be  faithful  to  these.    As  we  thus  go  on  from 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


349 


stage  to  stage  we  experience  a  spiritual  growth,  whereby  we 
can  comprehend  the  necessity  and  appreciate  the  force  of 
the  command  given  to  Moses,  "  Speak  unto  the  children  of 
Israel  that  they  go  forward."  There  are  men  who  have 
been  encompassing  one  mountain  all  their  lives,  and  who 
are  still  there,  like  the  Israelites  who  were  disposed  to  tarry 
where  they  were,  rather  than  to  journey  toward  the  Prom- 
ised Land.  But,  my  friends,  it  requires  much  care  and  close 
watchfulness  on  our  part  to  see  the  right  time  to  go  forward. 
For  if  we  anticipate  it,  we  go  without  our  Guide,  and  get- 
ting bewildered,  wander  aimlessly  in  an  unknown  way 
until  we  lose  sight  of  both  faith  and  hope. 

Men  who  have  their  own  purposes  to  serve  will  try  to 
make  you  believe  that  religion  is  here  or  that  it  is  there,  and 
that  you  should  come  hither  or  go  thither  to  find  it,  but  I 
feel  to  say  to  the  young  of  this  assembly,  Mind  your  own 
business,  and  let  every  other  business  alone.  Do  not,  like 
Martha,  be  troubled  about  many  things,  but  do  those  things 
which  are  shown  to  you  to  do,  and  avoid  doing  those  which 
you  should  not  do.  Our  allegiance  to  God  may  be  estimated 
by  our  obedience  to  his  commands,  without  regard  to  what 
the  world  may  say. 

What  a  great  matter  it  is  to  be  a  truly  religious  man.  No 
importance  need  be  attached  to  the  name — there  were  twelve 
tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel.  If  it  suit  a  man  to  belong 
to  one  tribe  or  to  the  other,  we  have  nothing  to  do  with 
that,  for  there  is  but  one  Father  and  we  are  all  his  children. 
But,  my  friends,  the  natural  man  is  in  the  dark,  and  he  must 
remain  in  the  dark  until  the  light  of  the  Son  shines  into  his 
soul.  This  is  "  the  true  Light  which  lighteth  every  man 
that  cometh  into  the  world."    It  shows  us  how  we  should 


350 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


walk,  but  if  (taking  the  advice  of  the  tempter,  who  would 
have  us  know  good  and  evil  for  ourselves)  we  turn  from  it, 
we  commit  sin,  for  sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  Divine  law. 

There  are  many  who  go  through  life  sinning  and  repent- 
ing, a  state  they  should  not  remain  in,  for  there  is  a  higher 
one,  a  more  settled  one,  beyond  it.  Now  the  glory  of  our 
religion,  its  importance  and  its  value  to  every  son  and  every 
daughter  of  Adam  is  the  sublime  idea  that  we  are  to  enjoy 
heaven — so  far  as  we  are  capable  of  coming  into  the  enjoy- 
ment of  God's  love — all  the  days  of  our  life.  This,  we  believe, 
was  the  purpose  of  the  Great  Creator  when  He  gave  us 
being.  He  has  never  turned  one  of  his  children  out  of  his 
house.  Those  who  are  not  in  the  house  of  God  have  wan- 
dered away  from  it  of  their  own  accord,  like  the  Prodigal 
Son,  because  they  love  other  things  more  than  they  love 
home.  But  even  these  wanderers  can  return  and  be  under 
the  influence  of  that  love  which  goes  out  to  all,  for  God  wills 
not  the  separation  of  one  soul  from  Him.  The  appreciation 
of  God's  love  knocks  to  atoms  a  belief  in  the  doctrine  that 
some  are  born  to  be  saved  and  some  to  be  damned.  This 
doctrine  had  its  root  in  the  minds  of  men,  where  it  had  been 
planted  by  human  volition.  And  how  contrary  is  it  to  the 
teaching  and  to  the  mission  of  Him  who  came  from  the 
bosom  of  the  Father  (and  who  could  declare,  I  and  my 
Father  are  one),  in  order  that  none  might  perish,  but  that 
all  should  be  saved. 

Now,  what  I  feel  in  my  heart  to  call  our  attention  to  is  the 
Word,  or  Son,  which,  in  the  beginning,  was  "  with  God," 
and  which  "  was  God."  And  this  Son  was  sent  into  the 
world  that  "  whosoever  believeth  in  Him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life."    This  clear  and  comprehensive 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


statement  of  the  Evangelist  leaves  none  without  the  pale  of 
the  means  of  salvation,  while  it  assures  us  of  the  purpose  for 
which  the  Saviour  was  sent.  And  why  sent  for  this  pur- 
pose ?  Because  God  so  loved  the  world.  Oh,  wonderful 
love!    Would  that  we  could  appreciate  the  fullness  of  it. 

Here  we  are,  spending  our  time  in  pursuits  that  do  not 
bring  peace  to  the  soul  nor  advance  it  in  the  way  of  salva- 
tion. Some  are  troubled  with  one  thing,  and  some  with 
another  thing.  But  the  Great  Forerunner  said,  "And  now 
also  the  ax  is  laid  unto  the  root  of  the  trees.  Therefore 
every  tree  which  bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit  is  hewn  down 
and  cast  into  the  fire."  When  the  tree  falls  the  evil  falls 
with  it,  so  that  a  man  cannot  any  longer  be  drunken,  pro- 
fane or  licentious,  for  the  ax  has  been  applied  to  the  root 
of  the  corrupt  tree,  which  is  Ms  heart.  We  may  be  temper- 
ate, so  far  as  alcoholics  are  concerned,  and  may  boast  of 
being  so,  but,  before  we  can  labor  aright  in  the  cause  of 
temperance,  we  must  part  with  many  things  that  we  love 
too  much.  This  is  what  is  retarding  our  progress,  we  are 
not  willing  to  give  up  our  beloveds,  even  though  we  may  be 
convinced  that  they  are  idols,  and  to  accept  the  terms  so 
plainly  laid  down  by  Him  who  should  be  our  Master.  "  He 
that  loveth  father  or  mother  more  than  me  is  not  worthy  of 
me;  and  he  that  loveth  son  or  daughter  more  than  me  is 
not  worthy  of  me ;  and  he  that  taketh  not  his  cross  and  fol- 
loweth  after  me  is  not  worthy  of  me."  Surely  this  makes 
the  matter  plain — that  we  are  not  to  love  anything  more 
than  we  love  Him,  and  that  the  condition  upon  which  we 
can  give  our  hearts  to  Him  must  be  a  surrender  of  all  that 
we  have,  so  that  we  can  say,  "  Here  am  I;  take  me  and  do 
with  me  according  to  thine  own  good  pleasure."    Before  a 


352 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


man  can  come  into  the  enjoyment  of  heaven  he  must  be 
willing  to  part  with  everything  that  he  holds  dear.  No  man 
can  serve  two  masters.  He  "  cannot  serve  God  and  Mam- 
mon." We  are  apt  to  love  the  adulation,  the  praise,  of  men. 
"We  desire  to  have  certain  things  said  of  us  and  certain 
things  done  to  us,  so  that  we  may  be  known  as  distinguished 
men.  While  in  such  a  state  of  mind  how  liable  we  are  to 
be  carried  away. 

Now,  what  we  need  to  acquire  is  a  knowledge  of  the  Truth, 
as  it  was  portrayed  in  the  life  of  Jesus  Christ  and  proclaimed 
by  Him  and  his  Apostles.  Such  knowledge  will  make  our 
lives  broader,  so  that  we  shall  n  t  be  alone  Baptists,  Meth- 
odists, Presbyterians  or  Episcopalians,  but  all  will  be  the 
children  of  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven.  And  when  we 
have  attained  to  this  relationship  our  love  goes  out  all 
around.  When  we  come  to  have  this  kingdom  of  heaven 
within  us  our  spiritual  eye  will  be  opened  to  see  so  clearly 
that  we  shall  no  longer  be  blinded  by  sectarianism,  but  shall 
know  that  the  Son  has  illuminated  our  hearts  to  that  degree 
that  we  can  discover  the  servants  of  God  and  extend  to 
such  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  wherever  they  may  be 
found. 

I  glory  in  that  declaration,  "And  ye  shall  know  the  Truth, 
and  the  Truth  shall  make  you  free,"  for  when  the  Truth 
shall  make  a  man  free  then  is  he  free  indeed  My  beloved 
friends,  it  should  be  the  aim  of  each  one  of  us  to  become  a 
freeman  in  the  Truth. 

We  have  the  promise  of  Holy  Scripture  that  "  They  that 
wait  upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength,"  and  it  is  for 
the  renewal  of  our  spiritual  strength  that  we  have  come  to- 
gether this  morning. 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


353 


We  do  not  deem  it  necessary  to  have  preaching  or  any 
other  human  instrumentality  for  the  performance  of  wor- 
ship, for  the  Scripture  saith,  "  But  the  anointing  which  ye 
have  received  of  Him  abideth  in  you  and  ye  need  not  that 
any  man  teach  you,  but,  as  the  same  anointing  teacheth  you 
of  all  things,  and  is  Truth  and  is  no  lie,  and  even  as  it  hath 
taught  you,  ye  shall  abide  in  Him."  Again,  we  have  the 
authority  of  Holy  Writ  for  the  promise,  "And  they  shall 
teaeh  no  more  every  man  his  brother,  saying,  Know  the 
Lord ;  for  they  shall  all  know  me,  from  the  least  of  them 
unto  the  greatest  of  them ;  for  I  will  forgive  their  iniquity, 
and  I  will  remember  their  sin  no  more." 

I  am  aware  that  there  are  degrees  of  religious  experience; 
that  it  may  differ  in  different  individuals,  and  in  the  same 
one  at  different  stages  of  his  advancement;  that,  owing  to 
disobedience,  to  some  transgression  of  the  Divine  law,  a  man 
may  be  groping  in  the  dark  and  reaching  out  for  a  human 
hand — a  preacher — to  guide  him  and  lead  him  along  in  some 
line  of  belief,  some  doctrinal  instruction.  But  remember,  as  it 
has  been  in  the  past  so  it  is  to-day,  that  this  darkness  is  the 
product  of  sin  or  transgression.  For,  in  the  beginning, 
before  sin  had  entered  into  the  world,  it  was  not  so.  God 
dispenseth  to  every  living  soul  a  measure  of  light,  a  measure 
sufficient  for  the  condition  of  that  soul,  let  such  condition  be 
what  it  may.  I  would  have  us  understand  that  God  speaks  as 
intelligibly  to  the  soul,  and  his  voice  is  as  capable  of  being 
understood  by  it,  as  does  the  earthly  parent  speak  to  his  child 
in  an  audible  voice  and  in  language  that  the  child  can  com- 
prehend. Before  God  spake  unto  Adam  he  had  made  him 
a  living  soul,  and  there  is  no  evidence  in  the  record  but  that 
Adam  understood  the  voice  of  God.    So,  when  He  created 


354 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


each  one  of  us,  He  planted  in  us  an  ear  to  hear  his  voice, 
and  if  we  do  not  willfully  close  this  ear,  but  leave  it  open  to 
hear,  and,  having  heard,  if  we  receive  and  obey  the  instruc- 
tions, we  are  just  where  He  would  have  us  to  be.  Oh,  could 
I,  this  morning,  awaken  in  the  minds  of  all  a  sense  of  the 
importance  of  our  being  individually  aroused  and  convinced 
of  the  truth  that  a  knowledge  of  religion,  though  not  of  our- 
selves is  in  ourselves,  "  Because  that  which  may  be  known 
of  God  is  manifest  in  them,  for  God  hath  showed  it  unto 
them.''  We  have  no  need  to  ascend  into  heaven  to  bring 
Christ  down  from  above,  neither  to  descend  into  the  deep 
to  bring  him  up  from  thence,  for,  as  it  is  written,  "The 
Word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth  and  in  thy  heart;  that 
is  the  Word  of  faith  which  we  preach."  There  was  no  effort 
on  the  part  of  Paul,  when  he  wrote  this  to  the  Romans,  to 
draw  them  and  bind  them  to  an  organization,  nothing  of 
that  kind,  but  his  great  concern,  and  that  of  his  co-laborers 
in  the  Church,  was  to  impress  upon  the  minds  of  the  people 
that  the  Saviour — by  and  through  whom  they  might  be 
brought  from  darkness  into  light  and  from  the  dominion  and 
power  of  Satan  into  the  marvelous  light  of  the  Truth  of  God 
— was  not  far  from  any  of  them.  Then  was  the  Truth  pre- 
sented to  the  people  in  all  its  beautiful  simplicity.  But  now, 
after  the  lapse  of  so  many  centuries,  we  find  there  is  a  dispo- 
sition to  hold  up  schemes,  plans,  confessions  of  faith,  and 
elaborate  systems  of  religion,  that  appeal  to  the  intellect 
rather  than  to  the  heart.  Why  is  it  that  the  people  are  will- 
ing to  be  entertained  by  intellectual  discourses,  rather  than  to 
listen  to  the  plain  truth,  which  brings  conviction  to  the  heart? 
Why  do  they  call  upon  those  who  "  sew  pillows  under  arm- 
holes,"  instead  of  turning  inward  and  listening  to  the 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


355 


Teacher  who  would  show  them  their  real  condition  and 
make  plain  the  way  of  escape  from  the  dangers  that  now 
await  them. 

When  we  look  around  and  see  how  much  teaching  of  "  re- 
ligion" there  is,  and  how  much  expense  is  involved  in  being 
a  Christian,  the  view  is,  indeed,  discouraging,  and  many 
become  disheartened  and  turn  away  from  all  church  organiz- 
ations. Oh,  that  these,  and  that  all  of  us,  would  take  les- 
sons from  our  inward  Teacher,  who  would  first  point  to  the 
line  which  separates  Truth  from  error,  and  having  made 
this  plain,  would  then  supply  us  with  grace  sufficient  to 
enable  us  to  keep  on  the  right  side  of  the  line.  If  we  de- 
sire to  have  Christ  for  our  Teacher  we  must  enter  his  school, 
where  we  shall  find  that  the  rules  of  discipline  are  all  summed 
up  in  one  word,  and  that  word  is  the  all-important  one,  obe- 
dience. Observe  this,  and  our  daily  lessons  of  instruction 
will  broaden  out  before  us  and  we  shall  feel  our  spiritual 
part  expanding  and  strengthening,  until  we  can  realize  what 
is  meant  by  a  growth  in  holiness. 

I  believe  there  are  in  this  assembly  not  a  few  who  desire 
to  be  found  walking  in  the  way  of  well-doing,  and  whose 
morning  aspirations  often  ascend  to  the  Father  in  the  un vo- 
cal but  soul-felt  language,  Teach  me  thy  will,  make  known  to 
me  thy  statutes,  be  my  Guide  and  my  Delicerer,  that  my  soul  may 
live.  If  such  be  the  secret  prayer  of  your  hearts,  dear  friends, 
whoever  you  are,  wherever  you  are,  no  sectarian  walls  can 
separate  you  from  me,  or  us  from  each  other.  The  love  of 
God,  when  it  fills  the  heart  of  man,  breaks  down  every  bar- 
rier; it  obliterates  all  names;  it  reaches  "from  sea  to  sea  and 
from  the  river  to  the  ends  of  the  earth." 

As  we  advance  from  one  condition  to  another  we  are  en- 


356 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


abled  to  speak  of  "  that  which  was  from  the  beginning, 
which  we  have  heard,  which  we  have  seen  with  our  eyes, 
which  we  have  looked  upon  and  our  hands  have  handled, 
of  the  Word  of  life.  That  which  we  have  seen  and  heard 
declare  we  unto  you,  that  ye  also  may  have  fellowship  with 
us.  And  truly  our  fellowship  is  with  the  Father  and  with 
his  Son,  Jesus  Christ."  The  work  of  religion  will  thus  be 
discovered  to  be  a  very  simple  one.  And  let  us  remember 
that  it  is  God's  work  with  ourselves,  that  it  is  not  the  culti- 
vation of  the  moral  or  of  the  intellectual  powers,  but  the 
listening  to  the  voice  of  God  as  heard  in  the  secret  of  the 
soul. 

It  is  well  for  us  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  reverently 
to  accept  what  we  find  there  recorded,  but,  at  the  same  time, 
to  remember  that,  though  we  may  read  them  from  youth  to 
old  age,  they  cannot  save  us,  for  there  is  but  one  thing  that 
can  save  us,  and  that  is  the  power  of  God.  I  want  that  we 
should  understand  these  things,  for  my  spirit  at  times  tra- 
vails in  concern  for  the  influences  which  are  so  moving  the 
people  in  this  day  to  teach  religion,  to  explain  the  Bible. 
But  when  we  attempt  to  explain  anything  so  sacred  how 
important  it  is  that  we  explain  it  aright,  for  otherwise  our 
explanation  may  do  harm  instead  of  good.  There  is  grave 
danger  of  the  young  having  stamped  upon  their  understand- 
ing thoughts  and  opinions  which  spring  from  minds  that 
have  not  been  enlightened  by  the  influence  of  Divine  grace. 
Here  comes  the  difficulty.  The  natural  man  can  give  only  the 
letter.  He  cannot  make  clear  the  meaning,  the  interpreta- 
tion of  that  which  holy  men  of  old  wrote  or  "  spake  as  they 
were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost."  If  there  is  to  you  or  to 
me,  value  in  that  Holy  Book,  with  a  capacity  to  comprehend 


SELECTIONS    FROM  SERMONS. 


357 


the  depth  of  its  meaning,  it  is  as  we  come  to  be  illuminated 
by  God's  power.  For  it  is  as  this  power  breaks  through  the 
shell  or  letter  that  we  can  get  at  the  kernel  which  is  encased 
therein.  Hence,  how  important  it  is  that  those  who  attempt 
to  explain  the  meaning  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  should  them- 
selves flrst  have  their  understanding  enlightened  by  Him 
who  would  enable  them  to  penetrate  the  shell,  and  thus  find 
the  kernel.  By  all  means  let  our  children  read  these  sacred 
writings,  and  let  us  have  them  read  in  our  families  and  in 
our  schools,  and  there  let  the  matter  rest,  saying  to  the  adult 
young  people,  as  Paul  did  to  Timothy,  "And  that  from  a 
child  thou  hast  known  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which  are  able 
to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation  through  faith  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus." 

It  is  he  who  has  grown  up  by  faith,  grown  in  grace,  who  is 
able  to  understand  aright  the  writings  of  the  holy  men  of 
old,  who  "spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost." 
Until  our  eyes  are  anointed  with  the  eye-salve  of  God's  king- 
dom and  we  come  to  receive  instruction  from  on  high,  we  are 
unable  to  crack  through  the  shell  of  the  Scriptures  and  to 
extract  from  them  the  spirit  or  kernel ;  and  when  we,  in  our 
unenlightened  state,  attempt  to  explain  them  to  others,  is  it 
not  like  the  blind  leading  the  blind  ? 

When  we  come  to  realize  the  wisdom,  power,  love  and 
grace  of  God,  and  are  made  willing  to  learn  in  the  school  of 
Christ,  we  shall  be  preserved  from  teaching  for  doctrine  the 
commandments  of  any  man,  for  we  shall  have  the  discerning 
spirit  that  will  enable  us  to  discriminate  between  those  whom 
the  Lord  has  anointed  and  those  whom  He  does  not  anoint. 

We  may  remember  it  is  recorded  that  there  were  shep- 
herds who  watched  their  flocks  by  night,  to  whom  the  angels 


358 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


declared  that  there  had  been  born  in  Bethlehem,  Christ  the 
Lord,  and  that  there  was  where  they  should  find  Him. 
These  were  they  who,  when  they  beheld  the  Babe,  fell 
down  and  worshipped  Him.  I  would  to  God  that  each  of 
us  may  come  to  know  the  birth  of  this  blessed  Babe  in  our 
souls.  Oh,  come,  come,  surrender  self,  and  let  the  blessed 
Saviour  be  brought  forth  in  you  and  know  Him  as  "  Won- 
derful," "  Counselor,"  «  The  Mighty  God,"  "  The  Everlast- 
ing Father,"  "  The  Prince  of  Peace."  I  desire  not  to 
multiply  words,  but  that  we  should  weigh  the  value  of  the 
religion  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of  which  every  one  of  us 
may  become  the  possessor,  and  by  so  doing  he  will  add  to 
his  happiness  in  the  present  state  of  being,  and,  oti  arriving 
at  the  end  of  life's  journey,  will  be  permitted  to  join  the 
innumerable  company  of  the  redeemed,  who  "sing  the  song 
of  Moses,  the  servant  of  God,  and  the  song  of  the  Lamb, 
sa3'ing,  "  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God 
Almighty.  Just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of 
Saints  !" 


CHAPTER  X. 


A  RETROSPECT. 


Having  followed  our  friend  through  the  different  stages 
of  his  life,  we  are  now  prepared  for  a  Retrospect.  In  order 
to  discover  the  sources  of  the  influences  by  which  it  was 
molded  we  must  view  that  life  from  three  distinct  points. 

As  is  the  case  with  most  lives,  ancestry  and  environment 


A  RETROSPECT. 


359 


played  an  important  part  in  the  molding,  but  far  above 
either  of  these,  and  more  potent  than  both  of  them  com- 
bined, was  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  In  tracing  the 
lines  of  his  experience,  unless  we  keep  in  view  these  three 
factors,  we  fail"  to  form  a  true  estimate  of  his  character  or  to 
judge  of  his  conduct  aright.  Inherited  traits,  surrounding 
conditions  and  devoted  attention  to  the  inward  voice,  made 
Samuel  J.  Levick  the  natural  man,  the  social  man  and  the 
Gospel  minister  that  he  was. 

His  ancestry  was  French,  English  and  Welsh,*  and  those 
who  knew  him  intimately  could  scarcely  fail  to  observe  the 
marked  traits  attributable  to  these  three  sources.  He  was 
alert,  vivacious  and  social.  He  was  candid,  persistent  and 
tenacious  of  rights.  He  was  brave,  honorable  and  very 
tender-hearted.  Not  only  could  the  racial  traits  be  noted, 
but  also  the  characteristics  of  certain  individuals  from 
whom  he  had  descended,  though  several  generations  re- 
moved. In  "  Besse's  Sufferings  of  Friends"  may  be  found 
the  names  of  a  number  of  his  ancestors  who  evinced  unusual 
courage  and  unshaken  loyalty  to  their  convictions,  while 
they  suffered  the  distraint  of  their  property,  the  deprivation 
of  their  liberty,  or  left  their  native  land  to  find  an  asylum 
where  they  would  not  be  persecuted  for  conscience'  sake. 

In  "  Piety  Promoted"  is  a  very  interesting  account  of 
Peter  Fearon  (son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Fearon,  the  great- 
great-great-grandparents  of  Samuel  J.  Levick),  who  came 
out  in  the  ministry  before  he  was  twenty  years  old,  who 
traveled  extensively  and  who  was  highly  esteemed  as  a  min- 
ister and  as  a  man.    In  the  life  of  this'  Burlington  Friend, 

*  The  Levicks  far  back  were  French  ;  the  Manloves,  Wetherills,  Nobles  and 
Fearons  were  English  ;  the  Joneses,  Lewises  and  Hayeses  were  Welsh. 


360 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


who  (lied  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  years  ago,  we  may 
trace  parallels  to  the  experience  of  his  late  relative.* 

We  also  find  that  three  successive  generations  of  the 
Wetherills  were  members  of  the  "  Council  of  Proprietors  of 
West  Jersey,"  thus  showing  that  they  took  an  interest  in  the 
affairs  of  State  as  well  as  in  those  pertaining  to  the  Society 
of  Friends.  Samuel  J.  Levick  fully  believed  in  the  senti- 
ment, traditionally  accredited  to  William  Penn,  that  "  It  is 
neither  a  sin  nor  a  fault  to  do  what  good  one  can  in  any 
government." 

His  Welsh  ancestors  were  among  the  most  worthy  of  that 
very  good  people  that  ever  landed  upon  our  shores.  The 
journals  of  Friends  traveling  in  the  ministry  refer  to  the 
meetings  at  Merion,  Haverford  and  Radnor,  in  terms  which 
give  evidence  of  their  appreciation  of  these  Welsh  worthies, 
some  of  whom  ministered  "in  their  native  British  tongue." 

Passing  from  his  ancestry  to  his  surroundings,  we  find 
him  in  a  well-ordered  home,  the  oldest  (living)  child  of 
watchful  and  tender  parents,  who  sought  to  direct  his  phe- 
nomenal activity  into  channels  of  usefulness,  and,  without 
too  much  restriction  of  his  boyish  love  for  sports,  to  keep 
him  within  the  pale  of  consistency  for  a  child  of  concerned 
Friends.  At  a  suitable  age,  he  was  placed  at  Westtown 
Boarding  School,  where,  for  three  years,  he  was  surrounded 
by  influences  that  were  calculated  to  preserve  him  in  the 
path  of  uprightness  and  to  strengthen  his  loyalty  to  the  So- 
ciety of  Friends.  The  school,  the  home-department,  the 
vigilance  of  the  care-takers,  the  reading  matter  accessible  to 
the  pupils,  and,  added  to  all  these,  the  religious  meetings, 
were  favorable  to  the  preservation  of  innocence  and  to  a 

*  See  "  Piety  Promoted,"  Vol.  iv  :  p.  422. 


A  RETROSPECT. 


361 


preparation  for  the  reception  of  the  higher  law  when  it 
should  he  revealed  to  them. 

On  leaving  Westtown,  the  youth  of  sixteen  returned  to  his 
parental  home  in  the  city,  and  was  there  ready  to  learn 
something  new.  The  counting-house  opened  to  him  and 
his  father  was  his  kind  and  interested  instructor.  He  took 
to  business  eagerly,  and  looked  hopefully  at  the  prospect 
before  him.  The  time  soon  came — sooner  to  him  than  to 
many  others — when  he  felt  that  he  was  a  young  man,  and, 
being  socially  inclined,  he  enjoyed  the  society  of  those  who 
were  of  his  own  age,  as  also  of  many  who  were  older.  It 
was  then  that  he  became  so  interested  in  the  "moral  reform" 
movement,  for  it  ministered  to  three  of  his  desires,  activity, 
sociability  and  benevolence.  When  the  business  duties  of 
the  day  were  over  and  the  evening  meal  had  afforded  oppor- 
tunity for  pleasant  family  mingling,  he  felt  ready  for  some- 
thing else.  Then  it  was  highly  gratifying  to  him  to  attend 
a  "  reform"  meeting  and  there  to  associate  with  those  who, 
like  himself,  were  interested  in  the  work  of  relieving  the 
oppressed  and  of  elevating  the  degraded. 

When  in  his  twentieth  year — looking  toward  a  mercantile 
life,  and  expecting  to  be  taken  into  the  firm  with  his  father 
on  attaining  his  majority — a  great  trial  came  upon  him  as 
an  impression  of  duty.  This  very  unexpected  check  seemed 
likely  to  blight  his  prospects  of  business,  to  separate  him 
from  the  societies  of  which  he  was  so  active  a  member,  to 
deprive  him  of  the  social  intercourse  which  he  so  much  en- 
joyed, and — more  than  all  the  rest— to  take  him  away  from 
his  home.  *  The  Friends'  faith,  which  he  had  received  by 
inheritance,  imbibed  with  his  education  and  adopted  from 
honest  conviction,  was  with  him  no  mere  fancy,  no  specula- 
23 


362 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


tive  theory,  no  rationalistic  proposition  to  be  subjected  to 
analysis  and  thus  proved  to  be  either  true  or  false,  but  on 
the  contrary,  it  was  a  vital  reality,  which  he  could  no  more 
overlook  nor  gainsay  than  he  could  disbelieve  in  his  physical 
existence. 

A  fundamental  and  the  distinguishing  tenet  of  this  faith  is 
a  belief  in  the  Divine  Immanence,  or  the  presence  and  ope- 
ration of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  heart  of  man.  With  his 
attendance  at  Friends'  meetings,  his  acquaintance  with  their 
literature,  his  three  years  at  Westtown  Boarding  School  and 
his  guarded  home-training,  we  may  infer  that  one  of  his 
keen  susceptibility  had  received  many  tendering  impressions, 
and  that  he  had  learned  from  experience,  as  well  as  from 
what  came  to  him  through  books,  sermons  and  parental  pre- 
cept, that  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  give  heed  to  the 
still,  small  voice  which  may  be  heard  in  the  secret  of  the  soul. 
This  voice  now  spoke  to  him,  and  the  message  which  it 
brought  was  most  unwelcome  to  the  natural  man,  since  it 
conflicted  with  his  inclination,  and  the  requirement  seemed 
as  unreasonable  as  the  me-ssasre  was  unwelcome.  It  said  to 
him  that  he  should  leave  the  city  and  learn  to  be  a  farmer. 

In  after  years  he  told  a  member  of  his  family  that  when 
he  first  felt  it  would  be  required  of  him  to  leave  his  fond 
parents,  his  brothers  and  sisters,  his  comfortable  home,  a 
choice  circle  of  friends,  a  promising  business  prospect,  and 
the  many  interests  which  he  had  in  the  city,  he  mentally 
exclaimed,  "  How  can  this  be  ?"  so  great  was  the  trial  to 
him  and  so  contrary  to  reason  did  the  requirement  seem. 
But  at  length  it  became  so  evident  to  him  that  he  must  go, 
that,  in  simple  obedience,  he  yielded  to  the  impression  with- 
out knowing  why  he  should  be  thus  led.  He  trusted,  obeyed, 


A  RETROSPECT. 


363 


and  found  peace.  His  will  was  to  be  disciplined,  and  it  was 
better  for  him  not  to  know,  nor  to  see,  what  was  in  store 
for  him,  but  to  keep  fast  hold  of  the  Hand  that  wras  leading 
him,  and,  with  child-like  confidence,  to  trust  that  he  would 
be  led  bright.  Now,  in  the  retrospect,  it  all  seems  plain; 
but  then  he  was  walking  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight.  As  he 
continued  thus  to  walk,  his  spiritual  experience  deepened, 
he  not  only  sought,  but  enjoyed,  seasons  of  retirement,  and, 
as  religious  labor  opened  before  him,  he  saw  that  he  was  to 
go  when  and  where  the  Master  sent  him,  and  that  works, 
howrever  good  in  themselves,  would  not  be  accounted  his  to 
do,  unless  he  had  been  called  to  engage  in  them.  In  after 
years  how  manifest  was  it  to  his  friends,  as  well  as  to  him- 
self, that  his  getting  away  from  the  city  just  wdien  he  did 
wras  in  the  ordering  of  a  Wisdom  superior  to  his  own,  for  it 
not  only  brought  his  will  under  the  discipline  of  the  cross, 
but  also  provided  for  him  a  situation  which  was  most  favor- 
able to  his  spiritual  development.  Day  by  day  he  was  learn- 
ing that  it  was  good  for  him  to  be  alone  and  to  be  still. 
When  following  his  plow  he  was  favored,  as  his  spiritual 
ear  was  attuned,  to  hear  that  inward  voice  which  spake  to  him 
and  counseled  him  as  an  earthly  parent  does  his  child. 

Three  lessons  to  be  learned  by  every  one  who  feels  called 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  the  Society  of  Friends — a 
surrender  of  the  will,  an  endeavor  to  be  quiet,  and  a  strict 
attention  to  the  inward  voice — were  then  given  to  him,  and 
it  may  be  said  that  he  learned  them  with  thoroughness  and 
fidelity.  By  this  schooling  the  strong  will  of  the  natural 
man  was  brought  into  subjection,  the  active  worker  found 
that  he  must  first  become  a  passive  listener,  and  the  young 
man,  rich  in  possessions  of  various  kinds,  was  made  willing 


364 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


to  sell  all,  take  up  his  cross  and  follow  his  Master.  His  fre- 
quent allusions  to  the  favored  seasons  of  spiritual  commu- 
nion that  he  enjoyed  while  working  on  the  farm  or  while 
hauling  on  the  road,  indicate  that  these  showers  of  blessing 
fell  upon  thirsty  ground,  for  his  heart  was  mellowed  and 
tendered  thereby. 

In  that  portion  of  the  Diary  referring  to  bis  first  marriage 
there  is  much  that  is  instructive  as  well  as  pathetic,  for  his 
reflections  on  this  weighty  subject  evince  the  care  that  he 
exercised  to  obtain  "Divine  permission"  before  proceeding 
to  the  fulfillment  of  those  intentions  which  had  been  prompted 
by  inclination  and  sanctioned  by  human  judgment.  The 
account  of  the  illness  and  death  of  his  wife  gives  us  an  idea 
of  his  deep  sense  of  bereavement,  also  of  the  necessity  that 
was  laid  upon  him  (rendered  the  more  imperative  from  the 
request  of  his  companion  that  he  would  give  her  up)  to  en- 
deavor to  attain  a  state  of  resignation.  This  state  lie  regarded  l 
as  something  entirely  different  from  a  philosophical  accept- 
ance of  the  trials  of  life — for  he  was  no  rationalist — his  hope 
and  his  trust  being  those  of  the  Christian  believer. 

His  second  marriage  also  was  a  truly  happy  one,  and  his 
domestic  life  during  those  forty  years  was  one  of  calm  sun- 
shine, save  for  the  cloud  occasioned  by  the  loss  of  two  sons. 
These  bereavements  were,  indeed,  close  trials  to  the  parents, 
but  they  knew  in  whom  they  trusted,  and  this  knowledge 
sustained  them  "  in  sorrow's  darkest  hour."  Home,  to  Sam- 
uel J.  Levick,  was  a  favored  place  and  a  choice  retreat  after 
mingling  with  the  busy  throng  in  the  secular  affairs  of  life, 
or  after  the  suffering  that  he  sometimes  had  to  endure  in  get- 
ting down  into  the  state  of  a  meeting  for  worship.  On  some  of 
his  later  journeys  in  the  ministry  his  wife  accompanied  him, 


A  RETROSPECT. 


365 


and  when  she  remained  at  home  her  sympathies  went  with 
him,  for  though  she  always  gave  him  up  freely  to  travel  on 
Truth's  account,  yet  she  had  an  abiding  sense  of  the  hard 
labor  that  he  often  had  to  perform  in  religious  assemblies 
before  his  burdened  spirit  could  obtain  relief. 

As  a  business  man  his  course  has  been  followed,  as  office- 
boy,  farmer,  merchant  and  secretary;  and  none  who  knew 
him  in  any  of  these  stations  could  charge  him  with  being 
slothful  or  indifferent  to  his  duties.  Neither  could  he  have 
been  called  a  hard  task-master,  nor  have  been  regarded  as 
despotic  toward  those  who  were  in  his  employ.  He  looked 
upon  wage-earners,  however  menial  their  employment  might 
seem,  as  helpers  rather  than  as  servants;  and  he  rejoiced  in 
seeing  these  and  all  others,  whom  he  could  influence,  in  a 
condition  to  enjoy  life  and  to  get  from  it  the  very  best  that  it 
is  capable  of  yielding.  The  thought  that  all  human  beings 
have  one  Father  was  ever  present  with  him  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duties,  and  regulated  his  treatment  of  those  who, 
humanly  speaking,  were  under  his  control. 

He  was  also  very  considerate  of  the  comfort  of  domestic 
animals,  from  the  time  when  he  first  began  to  be  responsible 
for  their  keeping :  and  in  later  years,  when  his  official  po- 
sition gave  him  the  power  and  furnished  him  with  the  op- 
portunity to  plead  their  cause,  it  did  not  change  his  feelings 
toward  the  brute  creation,  but  only  placed  him  in  a  larger 
held  as  their  defender  and  guardian. 

To  say  that  he  was  a  patriot  would  be  stating  a  truism, 
rather  than  adding  anything  to  what  he  himself  has  said. 
He  loved  his  country  and  desired  that  it  might  be  blessed 
with  peace  and  prosperity.  He  also  felt  that  we  should  be 
grateful  for  our  civil  rights,  as  well  as  for  those  which  permit 


366 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


us  to  worship  without  the  trammel  of  established  Church  or 
priestly  domination.  On  this  subject,  as  upon  all  others  on 
which  he  expressed  a  sentiment,  he  was  candid  and  out- 
spoken;  for  while  honesty,  courage  and  benevolence  had 
abundant  room  in  that  heart,  policy,  hesitation  and  duplicity 
found  no  [dace.  His  words,  like  his  actions,  were  without 
a  mask,  and  thus  bore  testimony  to  the  transparency  of  his 
character.  When  he  opposed  men  or  measures  he  did  it 
openly,  and,  after  having  stated  his  position  as  well  as  his 
opposition,  he  met  his  opponents  as  friends,  not  as  enemies, 
and  by  his  frankness  and  cordiality,  he  would  convince  them 
that  he  parted  from  them  and  from  the  subject  "  with  malice 
toward  none,  with  charity  for  all." 

As  a  public-spirited  citizen,  a  philanthropist  and  a  humane 
man,  his  reputation  rests  on  the  solid  basis  of  merit,  and 
during  the  last  ten  years  of  his  life  his  efforts  for  the  better- 
ment of  society  might  have  permitted  him,  without  arroga- 
tion,  to  express  the  sentiment  so  often  quoted,  "  I  am  a  man, 
and  whatever  concerns  humanity  is  of  interest  to  me." 

It  was,  however,  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  that  he  was 
most  widely  and  most  favorably  known  in  the  Society  of 
Friends,  and  in  this  responsible  station  he  occupied  a  posi- 
tion peculiar  to  himself.  His  early  and  full  surrender  having 
afforded  the  necessary  preparation,  he  came  forth  when 
called;  he  deepened  in  spirituality  as  he  trod  the  narrow 
way;  he  profited  by  experience;  and,  as  the  years  rolled  on, 
he  gradually  broadened  out  in  Christian  charity  for  all. 
While  fully  convinced  that  the  faith  of  Friends  is  sound 
and  Scriptural  in  its  basis,  and  that  it  was  the  one  for  him 
to  adopt,  he  did  not  condemn  or  judge  harshly  those  who 
had  been  differently  educated,  but  by  word  and  by  action 


A  RETROSPECT. 


367 


he  plainly  demonstrated  that  it  is  not  only  possible,  but  en- 
tirely consistent  to  be  loyal  to  our  own  religious  denomina- 
tion without  being  uncharitable  toward  others — in  short,  to 
be  a  denominationalist  without  being  a  sectarian. 

Although  often  called  to  go  among  those  of  other  denomi- 
nations, and  to  appoint  meetings  in  their  houses  of  worship, 
there  is  no  account  of  his  ever  having  given  offense  on  these 
occasions.  On  the  contrary,  they  were  am  -ng  his  most 
favored  opportunities,  proving  tendering  to  many  hearts, 
solemnizing  to  large  assemblies,  and  yielding  to  the  laborer 
the  precious  reward  of  peace. 

In  common  with  the  early  Friends,  he  was  a  firm  believer 
in  the  record  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  well  as  in  their  spir- 
itual application  to  mankind  in  the  present  day,  and  in  all 
ages  of  the  world.  He  also  believed  that  the  spiritual  eye 
must  be  anointed  before  the  inward  meaning  of  these  Sacred 
Writings  can  be  understood  so  as  to  explain  it  to  others  for 
their  edification.  While  very  favorable  to  human  learning, 
and  desirous  that  all,  in  their  youthful  days,  might  have  the 
opportunity  to  receive  a  liberal  share  of  it,  he  was  decidedly 
opposed  to  the  application  of  intellectual  analysis  or  schol- 
arly acquirements  to  the  deep  things  of  the  Spirit. 

As  he  was  no  man's  copy,  neither  did  he  call  upon  others 
to  imitate  him,  but,  with  all  the  earnestness  of  Gospel  au- 
thority, he  did  appeal  to  them  to  "  hear  and  obey"  the 
Inward  Teacher,  as  by  so  doing  they  would  experience 
preservation  on  their  perilous  journey  through  life,  and  at 
the  end  thereof  be  prepared  for  a  happy  eternity. 

But  the  end  crowns  all:  and  the  "peaceful"  feeling  that 
pervaded  the  mind  of  our  clear  friend  when  there  came  to 
him  the  presentation  that  his  work  was  done,  gave  evidence 


368 


LIFE    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


that  an  early  and  full  surrender,  followed  by  a  long  period 
of  faithful  service  in  the  Master's  cause,  had  been  accepted : 
and  that,  without  regrets  or  fears  to  disturb  him,  he  was 
ready  to  hear  the  call  and,  in  trustful  faith,  to  adopt  the  lan- 
guage of  one  of  the  early  Friends,  "  I  am  sick  in  body,  but 
the  Lord  reigns  gloriously  in  Zion.  His  power  is  over  all 
his  enemies.  I  have  sweet  peace  with  Him  that  is  the 
Redeemer  of  Israel,  and  am  now  waiting  for  my  Pilot  to 
conduct  me  to  my  long  home." 


MEMORIAL    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


809 


Memorial  of  Samuel  J.  Levick. 


In  conformity  with  the  custom  in  our  religious  Society  of 
placing  on  record,  for  the  encouragement  of  survivors,  memo- 
rials of  deceased  Friends  who  had  in  their  day  heen  con- 
spicuous standard-bearers  therein,  we  believe  it  right  for  us  to 
prepare  this  simple  testimony  concerning  our  late  esteemed 
friend,  Samuel  J.  Levick. 

He  was  the  son  of  Ebenezer  and  Elizabeth  W.  Levick, 
members  of  the  religious  Society  of  Friends,  and  was  born 
in  Philadelphia,  Eighth  Month  30th,  1819.  The  guarded 
care  and  training  of  his  parents  were  as  a  hedge  of  preserva- 
tion to  their  children,  and  helped  to  tit  them  for  usefulness 
in  mature  years. 

From  his  infantile  days  Samuel  was  susceptible  to  the 
tender  influences  of  the  Heavenly  Father's  love,  and  being 
of  a  sensitive  nature,  his  sympathies  were  enlisted  for  the 
poor,  even  in  childhood.  In  earl}7  youth  he  became  inter- 
ested in  the  colored  people  living  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
city,  mingling  with  them  in  their  homes  on  First-day  after- 
noons, and  reading  to  them  and  instructing  them.  He 
afterwards  procured  a  room,  where  others  joined  him  in  the 
work  of  collecting  and  teaching  them  such  lessons  as  would 
advance  and  elevate  them  in  life.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
Junior  Anti-Slavery  Society,  and  was  interested  in  other 
associations  having  for  their  object  the  amelioration  of  the 
condition  of  the  human  family. 

In  the  spring  of  1841  he  was  married  to  Ellen,  daughter 


370 


MEMORIAL    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


of  Caleb  and  Jane  Foulke,  of  Quakertown,  Pa.,  and  settled 
near  there  as  a  farmer.  In  a  little  more  than  a  year  after- 
ward, this  beloved  companion  was  removed  by  death.  He 
subsequently  married  Susanna,  daughter  of  Charles  and  Jane 
Mather,  and  continued  to  reside  at  Quakertown  until  1848, 
when  they  moved  to  Philadelphia.  In  1857  they  returned 
to  Quakertown,  where  he  was  engaged  in  business  until 
1874,  when  they  again  removed  to  this  city,  where  he  re- 
sided the  remainder  of  his  life. 

As  he  was  faithful  and  obedient  in  youth  to  what  he  felt 
called  to  engage  in,  he  was  fitted  for  a  more  extended  held 
of  labor,  and  he  became  a  public  ambassador  for  Christ  in 
his  twenty-first  year;  continuing  in  the  work  of  the  minis- 
try for  over  forty-five  years.  His  gift  therein  was  acknowl- 
edged by  Richland  Monthly  Meeting  in  Fourth  Month, 
1842,  and  confirmed  by  Abington  Quarterly  Meeting  of 
Ministers  and  Elders,  in  Fifth  Month  of  the  same  year.  He 
did  not  shrink  from  declaring  the  whole  counsel  of  God, 
according  to  his  understanding  thereof,  boldly  and  forcibly. 
Earnest,  animated,  eloquent  and  frequently  pathetic,  bear- 
ing the  magnetism  of  his  warm  heart  to  his  hearers,  he  was 
an  attractive  preacher,  especially  to  the  young.  His  com- 
munications were  generally  of  a  practical  character,  fre- 
quently giving  evidence  that  they  were  in  the  demonstration 
of  the  spirit  and  with  power,  and  when  fully  equipped  in  the 
armor  of  his  Lord  and  Master,  no  greater  valiant  could  be 
found  in  his  service.  His  interest  in  the  free  ministry  of 
the  Gospel,  and  his  faith  in  its  conformity  to  the  teachings 
of  Christ,  were  unbounded.  Satisfied  .that  the  religious 
Society  of  Friends  was  the  one  with  which  he  should  be 
connected,  and  fully  recognizing  the  ground  of  its  establish- 


MEMORIAL    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


371 


ment,  he  was  yet  no  sectarian,  but  mingled  freely  with  peo- 
ple of  all  denominations,  regarding  all  as  children  of  the 
same  great  and  good  Father.  At  times  he  felt  called  to 
appoint  meetings  among  those  of  other  societies,  which  were 
very  satisfactory;  calling  his  hearers  not  to  any  creed  or 
form  of  worship,  but  ever  encouraging  them  to  live  up  to 
the  teaching  of  that  Power  which  enlightens  the  conscience. 
In  our  mid-week  meetings  at  Race  Street  he  was  particu- 
larly favored  of  latter  years  in  addressing  the  hundreds  of 
school  children  there  assembled,  clearly  presenting  to  their 
comprehension  many  of  the  undisputed  truths  of  the  Gospel, 
acknowledged  by  all  Christian  sects.  He  traveled  much  in 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  having  visited  all  the  Yearly 
Meetings  except  Illinois,  and  very  many  of  the  meetings 
composing  them,  and  his  company  and  services  in  the  min- 
istry were  welcomed  wherever  he  went.  While  he  was  not 
without  his  seasons  of  trial  and  deep  proving,  he  was  ever 
able  to  rise  above  these,  and  being  blessed  with  a  remarka- 
bly cheerful  disposition,  he  looked  upon  the  bright  side  of 
life,  and  feeling  that  he  had  a  right  to  enjoy  the  good  things 
thereof  without  abusing  them,  he  practically  carried  out 
this  view  in  his  intercourse  with  the  world. 

Samuel  J.  Levick  was  a  man  of  strong  and  earnest  con- 
victions, and  very  plain  and  outspoken  in  the  expression  of 
his  views.  He  was  not  a  man  to  withhold  his  thought  lest 
the  candid  expression  of  it  should  make  him  enemies.  Many 
with  whom  he  did  not  agree  in  sentiment  were  inclined  to 
think  him  too  earnest  and  persistent  in  the  expression  of 
his  convictions,  but  perhaps  this  should  be  overlooked  in  one 
so  thoroughly  honest  and  open  in  all  his  words  and  actions, 
who  never  spoke  disparagingly  of  any  in  their  absence.  His 


:!72 


MEMORIAL    OF    SAMUEL    J.  LEVICK. 


strong  will  and  impetuous  temperament  were  often  a  source 
of  anxiety,  and  we  should  mention  as  instrumentalities  of 
great  help  to  him  the  steady  discretion  and  wisdom  of  some 
of  his  nearest  friends,  and  the  meek  and  quiet  spirit  of  his 
wife.  He  was  deeply  interested  in  public  affairs,  both  na- 
tional and  local,  active  in  the  work  of  organized  charities 
in  our  city,  and  in  the  progress  and  education  of  youth. 
For  several  years  he  was  the  efficient  Secretary  of  the  "  So- 
ciety for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals,"  holding 
this  position  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

He  was  one  of  the  delegates  to  Washington  from  our 
Yearly  Meeting  in  1865,  to  express  our  sympathy  with  the 
government  after  the  assassination  of  President  Lincoln. 

A  week  previous  to  his  death  he  suffered  from  an  attack 
of  oppression,  to  which  he  was  subject,  but  was  able  to  be 
about  the  house  most  of  the  time.  While  sitting  in  his  easy 
chair  at  the  close  of  a  quiet  First-day,  lie  was  peacefully 
gathered  to  his  rest,  on  the  nineteenth  of  Fourth  Month, 
1885,  in  the  sixty-sixth  year  of  his  age.  His  funeral,  at  Old 
Merion  Meeting  House,  was  largely  attended,  and  testimo- 
nies were  borne  by  several  Friends  in  the  ministry  from  dif- 
ferent meetings. 


Read  in  and  approved  by  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends, 
of  Philadelphia,  held  First  Month  16th,  1889. 


Read  in  and  approved  by  Philadelphia  Quarterly  Meeting 

of  Friends,  held  Second  Month  5th,  1889. 

Isaac  H.  Hillborn,  1  nt  , 
•  C5  r  Clerks. 

Annie  Shoemaker,  J 


APPENDIX 


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APPENDIX. 


375 


APPENDIX. 


THE  MORRIS  ANCESTRY. 

Susanna  Morris  Mather,  who  in  1844  became  the  wife  of  Samuel  J.  Levick, 
was  the  great-great-granddaughter  of  Susanna  (Heath)  Morris,  an  eminent 
minister  in  the  Society  of  Friends.  This'  worthy  Friend  (for  whom  Susanna 
Mather  was  named)  was  the  wife  of  Morris  Morris,  who  gave  the  land  on  which 
the  Friends'  Meeting-house,  at  Richland,  was  built,  and  who  endowed  the 
Friends'  School  at  that  place.  The  sons  of  Samuel  and  Susanna  Levick  at- 
tended this  school,  and  played  on  the  ground  which  had  been  donated  to 
Friends  by  their  great-great-great-grandfather.  Tracing  backward  the  lineage 
of  these  children,  we  find  that  their  mother,  Susanna  Morris  (Mather)  Levick, 
was  the  daughter  of  Charles  Mather,  whose  parents  were  Isaac  and  Mary 
Mather;  and  Mary  Mather  was  the  daughter  of  Joshua  Morris,  who  was  the 
son  of  Morris  and  Susanna  (Heath)  Morris. 

Hannah  B.  Lester  and  Jane  M.  Foulke  (sisters  of  Susanna  M.  Levick)  also 
lived  at  Richland,  and  had  children  attending  this  school ;  so  that  at  one  time 
there  were  as  many  as  fourteen  of  the  descendants  of  Morris  and  Susanna 
Morris  who  were  pupils  in  the  Richland  Friends'  School. 

JOB  ROBERTS. 

WIDELY  KNOWN  AS  "THE  PENNSYLVANIA  FARMER." 

Job  Roberts  and  Mary  (Naylor)  Roberts  were  the  grandparents  of  Susanna 
M.  Levick;  her  mother,  Jane  (Roberts)  Mather,  being  their  only  child  (ex- 
cept one  who  died  at  two  years  of  age).  The  home  in  which  Susanna  lived 
from  the  time  of  her  birth  to  that  of  her  marriage,  was  called  "  Woodlawn," 
and  the  house  stands  on  a  part  of  the  Roberts  tract,  known  as  "  Woodlawn 
Farm."  It  is  situated  in  Whitpain  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Penna. 
Both  the  father  and  the  grandfather  of  Job  Roberts  lived  on  this  farm.  The 
father  died  in  his  ninetieth  year,  the  grandfather  in  his  ninety-sixth,  and  Job 
himself  (who  died  on  the  twentieth  of  Eighth  Month,  1851)  was  in  his  ninety- 
sixth  year.  The  house  in  which  he  was  born  and  in  which  he  died,  has,  in- 
serted in  the  gable,  a  date  stone,  engraved  A.  D.  1715. 

''  In  the  year  1791,  Governor  Mifflin  appointed  him  a  magistrate  of  the 
county,  and  for  a  period  of  twenty-nine  years  he  acted  [in  that]  position  with  re- 
markable credit  and  carefulness."    The  appointment  had  come  to  him  unso 
licited,  and  when  he  voluntarily  resigned  it,  much  regret  was  expressed. 


376 


APPENDIX. 


As  a  pioneer  In  advanced  agriculture,  lie  stood  easily  foremost  in  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania  for  the  time  in  which  he  lived,  and  it  may  safely  be  stated 
that  no  man  in  this  Commonwealth,  since  his  death,  has  originated  as  many 
important  improvements  in  agriculture  as  he  did  during  his  long  and  useful 
life.  Inventors  are  often  visionary,  and  not  nlways  practical ;  but  Job  Roberts 
presents  us  with  an  instance  of  one  who  combined  mature  deliberation  and 
excellent  judgment  with  foresight,  originality,  ingenuity  and  great  energy. 
We  have  had  many  theoretical  farmers,  and  very  many  practical  ones,  but  in 
him  the  two  were  combined.  He  lived  long  enough  to  see  his  inventions 
extensively  used  and  highly  commended,  and  his  theories  put  into  practice  by 
the  most  intelligent  farmers  throughout  the  state.  As  a  writer  his  style  was 
attractive  ;  for  though  his  scholastic  opportunities  had  been  limited,  his  origi- 
nality, close  observation  and  analytical  intellect  enabled  him  to  say  just  what 
he  wanted  to,  and  to  say  it  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  easily  understood,  and  to 
impress  the  reader  with  a  sense  of  the  earnestness  and  ability  of  the  writer. 
His  great  work  "The  Pennsylvania  Farmer,"  will  be  likely  to  live,  and  to 
stand  as  a  monument,  not  merely  to  the  memory,  but  to  the  farsightedness  of 
its  author.  As  a  fitting  close  to  this  brief  notice,  the  following  extract  from 
"  Historical  Collections  of  Gwynedd,"  by  Howard  M.  Jenkins,-  is  appended  : 

"Early  in  life  he  showed  both  mechanical  and  agricultural  enterprise.  He 
did  much  to  improve  the  methods  of  farming,  planted  hedges,  introduced  the 
feeding  of  green  fodder  to  cattle,  instead  of  grazing,  built  a  barn  which  was 
enormously  large,  according  to  the  usual  standard,  but  which  he  soon  had  full 
of  crops;  and  introduced,  almost,  if  not  quite,  as  early  as  Judge  Peters,  the 
use  of  gypsum,  or  land  plaster.  In  a  volume  which  he  published,  in  1804, 
called  'The  Pennsylvania  Farmer,'  he  said  he  had  raised  from  ten  acres  of 
land  five  hundred  and  sixty-five  bushels  of  wheat;  and  afterward,  about  1820, 
as  he  stated  to  the  late  Hon.  Job  R.  Tyson,*  he  secured  three  hundred  and 
sixty  bushels  from  a  lot  of  six  acres.  He  was  one  of  the  first  in  Pennsylvania 
to  introduce  ;md  breed  Merino  sheep,  and  during  the  movement  to  establish 
the  manufacture  of  silk,  he  was  one  of  its  most  zealous  promoters.  '  Various 
articles  of  silk  manufacture,  such  as  cloth,  stockings  and  other  parts  of  dress,' 
were  still  in  existence  in  185G,  of  a  date  as  far  back  as  the  Revolution.  In 
1780  he  drove  to  Gwynedd  Meeting  in  a  carriage  of  his  own  manufacture,  and 
this,  it  is  said,  was  the  only  carriage  then,  and  for  twenty-five  years  after,  seen 

at  that  meeting  Altogether,  his  learning,  his  enterprise,  his 

abilities  and  his  fine  .character,  made  him  a  notable  figure  of  his  lime." 

*Job  Roberts  Tyson,  a  nephew  of  Job  Roberts,  and  a  member  of  Congress, 
"  in  the  fifties,"  owned  and  occupied  this  home  after  the  death  of  his  uncle. 


APPENDIX. 


377 


WOODLAWN. 

This  place — several  times  referred  to  in  the  "life" — was  the  home  of  Jane 
Mather,  the  mother  of  Susanna  M.  Levick.  Jane's  great-grandfather  lived 
on  this  farm,  and  several  of  her  great-grandchildren  have  resided  in  her  old 
home  since  her  death ;  thus  making  seven  successive  generations  that  have  had 
Woodlawn  for  their  place  of  abode.  There  are  two  large,  old-fashioned  stone 
mansions,  which — for  distinction's  sake — may  be  called  the  Roberts  and  the 
Mather  homestead.  Or,  as  they  are  usually  designated,  "Woodlawn  Farm" 
and  "  Woodlawn." 

Job  Koberts,  "The  Pennsylvania  Farmer,"  named  his  home  "Woodlawn 
Farm;"  and  when  his  only  child,  Jane,  was  married  to  Charles  Mather,  he 
erected  for  them,  on  the  eastern  part  of  his  farm,  a  house  similar  to  the  one  in 
which  he  was  living.  Into  this  new  and  spacious  dwelling  Charles  and  Jane 
Mather  moved,  the  year  after  their  marriage,  and  in  it  they  lived  to  the  end 
of  their  earthly  journey.  They  were  married  in  1807,  and  Charles  died  in 
1830.  His  widow  survived  him  seventeen  years.  It  was  here,  in  the  Mather 
homestead,  that  all  of  their  eight  children  were  born,  and  that  they  all  lived 
until  marriage  or  death  caused  their  removal.  TJiere  were  six  daughters  and 
two  sons;  and  of  the  eight,  three  are  still  living:  Job  Koberts  Mather  (who 
owns  and  occupies  the  home),  Jane  M.  Foulke,  of  Quakertown,  Penna.,  and 
Susanna  M.  Levick,  of  Philadelphia.  It  was  in  this  house  that  Susanna  Mor- 
ris Mather  was  married  to  Samuel  J.  Levick,  on  the  seventeenth  of  Tenth 
Month,  1844.  Her  mother  was  carried  down-stairs  that  she  might  be  present 
at  the  marriage,  which  took  place  in  the  parlor.  [Jane  Mather  was,  for  many 
years,  so  disabled  by  rheumatism,  that  she  could  not  help  herself,  and  the 
many  visitors  at  her  home  could  not  fail  to  be  impressed  with  the  uniform 
patience,  the  cheerful  demeanor  of  the  chronic  invalid,  and  the  devoted  at- 
tention of  her  daughters,  who  so  tenderly  ministered  to  her  wants.]  Susanna's 
son,  Lewis  J.  Levick,  and  his  family,  at  one  time  made  Woodlawn  their  sum- 
mer home,  his  children  being  the  seventh  generation  that  has  lived  there. 
Lewis,  himself,  well  remembers  his  great-grandfather,  Job  Roberts,  as  do  sev- 
eral others  of  the  great-grandchildren,  thus  making  four  generations  that  have 
mingled  pleasantly  together  in  one  or  the  other  of  the  mansions  on  Woodlawn 
Farm.  The  Koberts  homestead  is  now  owned  (and  occupied  during  part  of 
the  yean  by  the  family  of  the  late  Moncure  Robinson. 

Refore  leaving  this  old  home  it  should  be  noted  that  the  generous  hospi- 
tality dispensed  here,  has  left  its  impress  on  a  large  circle  of  friends  (as  well  as 
on  the  descendants),  who  have  heard  their  parents,  or  their  grandparents,  speak 
of  pleasant  visits  at  Woodlawn. 
24 


378 


APPENDIX. 


PENLLYN. 

Approaching,  but  not  encroaching  upon,  Woodlawn  Farm,  is  the  collection 
of  beautiful  homes  (it  would  be  a  misnomer  to  call  it  a  village),  known  as 
Penllyn.  This  settlement  takes  its  name  from  the  station  on  the  North  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  (now  a  part  of  the  Reading  system),  around  which  it  has 
grown  up.  In  the  year  1848  was  published  a  map  of  Montgomery  County,  and 
many  of  the  subscribers  to  said  map  chose  home  names  for  their  places,  to  be 
engraved  upon  it.  George  Spencer,  Jr.,  called  his  home  Penllyn,  as  the  house 
stands  on  the  site  of  the  one  erected  by  his  great-great-great-grandfather, 
Edward  Foulke,  who  came  from  Wales  in  1698.  This  P^dward  Foulke  traced 
his  ancestry — far  back — to  Rhirid  Flaidd,  Lord  of  Penllyn,  so  there  seemed 
to  be  an  appropriateness  in  the  name.  When,  in  1855,  the  railroad  station 
was  erected  on  a  part  of  this  farm,  it  was  named  Penllyn ;  the  euphony  of 
which  was  acceptable  to  the  neighbors,  though  some  found  difficulty  with  the 
orthography,  but  on  being  told  that  it  was  good  Welsh,  they  soon  learned  to 
spell  it  correctly. 

RICHARD  LEVICK. 

[One  of  his  great-great-grandchildren  contributes  the  following  notes  con- 
cerning this  early  Delawarean. — Ed.] 

In  reference  to  my  great -great-grandfather,  Richard  Levick,  all  the  infor- 
mation I  have  concerning  him,  is  what  1  found  in  "  Scharf's  History  of  Dela- 
ware from  1609  to  1888."  On  page  1031  it  says:  "In  1683  William  Penn  or- 
dered that  a  town  be  laid  out  for  the  Governor,  to  be  called  Dover,  and  that 
the  court-house  and  prison  be  built  on  the  cross  street  of  said  town.  The  lo- 
cation of  the  proposed  town  was  not,  however,  determined  at  that  time.  A 
settler  named  Thomas  Williams  had  located  a  tract  of  four  hundred  acres 
called  Tidbury,  on  the  south  side  of  Dover  River,  and  a  branch  now  known 
as  Tidbury  Branch,  of  which  one  hundred  acres  were  purchased  by  Richard 
Levick,  who,  in  1684,  with  his  wife,  donated  it  to  the  county.  The  proffer 
was  made  by  Levick  in  open  court,  and  William  Clark,  the  county  surveyor, 
was  instructed  to  resurvey  the  land  of  Tidbury,  together  with  that  of  Abraham 
Pratt,  and  whatever  cleared  land  was  vacant  '  for  the  good  town  of  Dover.' 
Although  this  site  was  not  adopted,  it  was  popularly  regarded  as  the  prospective 
county  seat." 

A  note  at  the  bottom  of  the  page  says : 

"In  a  deed,  executed  May  2nd,  1688,  Saramarke,  an  Indian,  conveyed  to 
Norton  Claypoole  a  tract  of  land  '  on  this  side  of  Dover  River,  about  three 


APPENDIX. 


379 


miles  from  the  place  that  Dover  towne  is  intended  to  be  built.'  The  part  of 
Tidbury  tract  selected  was  in  Murderkill  Hundred,  on  the  road  from  Dover 
to  Frederica,  and  on  the  high  land  between  Tidbury  branch  and  Five  Points, 
and  is  said  to  be  the  highest  point  of  land  in  the  county.  It  was  one  and  a 
half  miles  from  navigable  waters,  and  a  better  location  in  several  respects  than 
the  present  site." 

The  only  other  item  which  1  have  copied  [from  the  same  work,  p.  1029], 
concerning  Richard  Levick,*  is  that  his  name  is  found  among  others  signed  to 
a  petition  to  Governor  Andross,  dated  "  February  4,  1680,"  asking  for  a  more 
convenient  place  for  holding  court,  as  the  difficulty  of  getting  there  from  their 
homes  was  very  great,  owing  to  the  condition  of  the  roads  through  which  they 
had  to  travel  to  reach  there.  E.  R.  L. 

WILLIAM  DEVICE'S  KINDNESS. 

EXTRACT  FROM  THE  "  RECOLLECTIONS  OF  ELIZABETH  W.  LEVICK." 

"As  illustrating  this  neighborly  kindness,  a  little  incident  in  the  life  of  Wil- 
liam Levick  [Samuel's  grandfather]  may  be  here  recorded.  Passing  by  the 
house  of  one  of  his  poor  neighbors  he  found  him  in  great  distress,  and  learned 
that  he  was  almost  without  food  for  his  children,  and  that  his  only  cow  had 
just  died.  Returning  to  his  home  he  selected  one  of  his  best  cows  from  the 
herd  and  ordered  his  man  to  drive  her  to  his  neighbor.  His  daughters  learn- 
ing what  was  going  on,  remonstrated  with  their  father,  and  asked  that  some 
other  cow  than  "  Fill-pail,"  as  she  was  called,  might  be  sent.  His  reply  was, 
"Johnny  Hill  has  no  cow,  we  have  many  cows;  'Fill-pail'  is  the  very  kind 
of  cow  that  he  needs  ;"  and  "  Fill-pail"  went  to  him. 

SAMUEL  W.  JONES. 

Samuel  J.  Levick  was  named  for  his  mother's  only  brother,  Samuel  Weth- 
erill  Jones,  a  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Philadelphia,  who 
died  on  the  twenty-first  of  Eleventh  Month,  1870,  in  the  ninety -third  year  of 
his  age.  He  and  his  wife,  Mary  <  'oe  Jones,  celebrated  the  sixty-eighth  anni- 
versary of  their  marriage,  on  the  seventh  of  Fourth  Month,  1870.  They  were 
married  in  Friends'  Meeting-house,  Burlington,  New  Jersey,  and  George 
Dillwyn,  the  eminent  minister,  appeared  in  supplication  on  the  occasion.  Sam- 
uel W.  Jones  was,  like  his  sister  Elizabeth,  a  life-long  resident  of  Philadel- 
phia.   An  obituary  notice  of  him  which  appeared  in  the  Philadelphia  Press, 

*  The  name  here  is  written  Levick*. 


380 


APPENDIX. 


closes  with  tins  paragraph,  "  It  is  not  our  purpose  unduly  to  eulogize  the  dead 
and  vet  it  is  but  just  to  say  that  after  a  long  business  career,  after  a  very  long 
private  life,  there  remains  of  our  friend  and  fellow-townsman,  the  grateful 
memory  of  a  spotless  reputation,  and  of  an  integrity  of  character  which 
knew  no  decay  in  a  life  extending  over  nearly  a  century." 

A  LETTER  FROM  THE  MOTHER  OF  SAMUEL  J.  LEVICK. 

Philadelphia,  Eighth  Month  12th,  1866. 

My  Dear  Samuel: — 

It  is  a  long  time  since  1  have  seen  thee,  and  I  have  been  wondering  why  it 
was  so.  I  felt  quite  disappointed  thee  did  not  get  here  last  week,  as  it  was 
thy  usual  time  for  giving  us  a  call,  but  as  thee  did  not  come,  thought  I  would 
try  to  write  a  few  lines  to  thee,  though  my  writing  days  seem  to  have  passed. 
I  very  seldom  write  a  letter  now,  my  sight  being  so  poor. 

I  heard  thee  had  some  prospect  (though  I  have  not  heard  whether  it  was 
concluded  upon)  to  pay  a  visit  in  a  distant  land.  I  hope  the  concern  is  a  right 
one,  and  although  thee  has  arrived  at  years  of  understanding,  yet  perhaps  a 
little  advice  from  an  aged  mother  may  be  accepted  by  thee.  I  know  thy  natural 
disposition  is  social,  but  I  want  thee  to  be  careful,  in  traveling  along,  not  to 
talk  too  much  in  the  cars,  particularly  on  politics,  as  there  seems  great  com- 
motion in  the  political  world  at  this  time;  neither  on  war;  and  as  thy  view 
is  to  teach  others,  I  hope  thee  may  be  taught  by  the  great  Teacher  himself, 
who  may  go  before  and  preserve  thee  in  the  right  way,  the  way  everlasting, 
and  when  thy  visit  is  accomplished,  thee  may  return  in  peace,  that  peace  the 
world  cannot  give,  neither  take  away. 

Feeling  my  mind  turned  toward  thee,  I  felt  most  easy  to  drop  these  lines, 
hoping  they  may  not  pass  away  like  the  morning  dew,  but  be  like  "bread 
cast  upon  the  waters,  found  after  many  days,"  and  when  thy  mother's  head  is 
laid  low,  thee  may  remember  her  great  desire  that  her  children  should  walk 
in  the  Truth,  and  though  she  be  absent  from  them,  they  are  not  forgotten  by 
her. 

I  should  like  to  know  when  thee  expects  to  leave. 

James  left  us  on  Fifth-day  last  for  Long  Branch, and  I  expect  William  went 
yesterday  to  Atlantic  City,  as  he  expected  to.  Uncle  and  Aunt  as  well  as 
usual,  also  J.  L.  Cs  family.    And  with  love  to  you  all,  I  remain  as  ever, 

Thy  affectionate  mother, 

E.  W.  L. 
(Aged  seventy-nine  years.) 


APPENDIX. 


38] 


THE  RESTORATION  OF  MOTHER'S  SIGHT* 

BY  .1AMKS  JONES  I.EVICK,  M.  D. 

And  they  brought  her  the  dear  old  Bible 

And  she  opened  the  Book  aright, 
And  read  from  its  blessed  pages — 

"God  said,  let  there'be  light!" 
Then  we  knew  that  his  finger  had  touched  her, 

Had  given  her  back  her  sight, 
That  her  blindness  was  gone  forever, 

That  "  her  evening  time  was  light !" 
There  was  light  that  day  in  our  dwelling, 

In  other  eyes  than  hers, 
And  songs  of  sweet  thanksgiving 

From  grateful  worshippers. 
And  all  day  long  in  our  hearing, 

There  were — or  there  seemed  to  be — 
Sweet  voices  which  chanted  the  old-time  words, 

"  I  was  blind — but  now  I  see  !" 
Sweet  voices  which  chanted  the  old-time  words, 

"  I  was  blind — but  now  I  see  !" 

****** 
And  so  from  that  day  onward 

Came  slowly  to  her  sight 
The  rich  bright  hues  of  autumn, 

The  winter's  robe  of  white; 
Fresh  bloom  of  early  spring-time, 

Warm  summer's  wealth  of  (lowers, 
The  glories  of  the  daylight, 

And  sunset's  golden  hours ; 
Faces  of  those  who  loved  her, 

Needle  and  book  and  pen, 
The  firm  step  for  the  faltering, 

New  health  and  strength  again  ! 

[^Elizabeth  W.  Levick,  of  Philadelphia,  who  had  been  blind  for  several 
years,  had  her  sight  restored  by  an  operation,  when  in  her  eighty-fifth  year.] 


382 


APPENDIX. 


AN  EXTRACT 

FROM  THE  "  RECOLLECTIONS  OF  ELIZABETH   \V.  LEVICK." 

"  I  think  it  was  nearly  ten  years  from  the  time  that  the  tirst  diminution  of 
sight  was  noticed  until  I  was  entirely  blind. 

"  I  have  more  than  once  been  asked  what  were  my  sensations  during  this 
period  of  blindness,  and  what  was  its  effect  upon  my  mind.  There  was,  I  ac- 
knowledge, a  sense  of  dependence  and  a  feeling  of  timidity,  but  there  was  also 
a  wonderful  sense  of  peace — I  had  almost  said  of  happiness — with  it.  It  was 
as  if  an  inward  sense  had  been  found  in  the  place  of  the  outward  one,  which 
wa.s  lost,  so  that  I  cannot  at  all  look  back  to  the  time  of  my  blindness  as  one 
of  unmixed  darkness  and  gloom.  But  it  was,  of  course,  a  great  deprivation 
to  me,  who  had  always  led  the  active  life  I  had.  To  be  cut  oft' from  my  nee- 
dle, my  pen  and  my  books,  to  take  no  step  alone,  to  have  even  my  food  cut  up 
for  me  as  for  a  child ;  ...  to  see  nothing  of  the  bright,  blue  sky,  and  the 
flowers  of  which  1  had  always  been  so  fond;  all  these  things  were,  I  say, 
great  deprivations.  But,  I  must  repeat  it,  there  was  with  the  blindness  a 
sense  of  calm,  peaceful  happiness,  which  I  cannot  forget,  and  which,  if  it  be 
always  present  with  the  blind,  is  a  wonderful  compensation  for  the  loss  of 
sight." 

WILLIAM  M.  LEVICK. 

Samuel  J.  Levick  keenly  felt  the  bereavement  occasioned  by  the  death  of 
his  brother  William,  which  occurred  on  the  tenth  of  Sixth  Month,  1874. 
There  was  only  a  year  and  a  half  difference  in  their  ages,  and  they  were  very 
closely  united,  until  death  severed  the  bond.  Although  William  was  the 
younger,  Samuel  appreciated  his  calm  deliberation  and  good  judgment,  and 
was  wont  to  pay  great  deference  to  his  wise  counsel.  The  difference  of  tem- 
perament in  the  two  seemed  to  strengthen  the  bond  of  affection. 

During  the  first  twenty-two  years  of  his  life,  William  M.  Levick  was  a 
member  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends  for  the  Northern  District  of  Phila- 
delphia. In  his  twenty-third  year  he  ceased  to  attend  that  meeting  and  had 
his  name  entered  upon  the  books  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends  held  at 
Green  Street,  Philadelphia.  Of  this  meeting  he  continued  to  be  a  consistent 
and  active  member  for  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Both  he  and  his  wife  being 
much  given  to  hospitality,  they  entertained  many  country  Friends,  and  in  this 
way,  as  well  as  by  their  stations  in  the  meeting,  they  exercised  an  influence 
which  was  widely  felt.    Friends  from  different  parts  of  the  country — some 


APPENDIX. 


:is:; 


from  other  Yearly  Meetings— could  speak  of  the  comfortable,  home-like  feeling 
which  they  enjoyed  when  under  the  roof  of  William  and  Hannah  Levick.  An 
aged  minister,  who  was  often  their  guest,  took  pleasure  in  referring  to  Wil- 
liam's familiarity  with  the  writings  of  the  early  Friends  and  the  facility  with 
which  he  could  lind  in  them  a  passage  or  a  sentiment  when  wanted. 

The  following  extract  from  an  article  in  one  of  the  daily  papers  shows  the 
esteem  in  which  William  M.  Levick  was  held  by  one  who  was  not  in  any  way 
associated  with  the  Society  of  Friends: 

''  Eulogy  of  the  dead  is  so  common,  and  often  so  undeserved,  that  the  sensi- 
tive mind  shrinks  from  a  public  notice  of  a  departed  friend.  But  there  are 
occasions  when  men  are  taken  away  about  whose  lives  there  has  rested  none 
of  the  glare  and  show  which  forced  recognition,  but  whose  loss  is  felt  and 
deplored  by  hundreds  in  the  quiet,  retired  paths  of  life,  trodden  by  the  great 
majority  of  mankind,  and  their  worth  has  been  such  that  simple  justice  seems 
to  demand  more  than  the  usual  record  of  their  departure.  Such  an  occasion 
is  presented  in  the  death  of  William  M.  Levick. 

"  By  birth,  education  and  matured  conviction,  a  member  of  the  religious 
Society  of  Friends,  how  he  lived  in  honest  accord  and  consistency  with  his 
professions,  and  in  unselfish  usefulness  and  the  maintenance  of  good  works,  can 
be  best  vouched  for  by  those  of  the  same  household  of  faith.  Many  who  dif- 
fered from  him  in  education  and  belief,  of  whom  the  writer  is  one,  delight  to 
remember  and  bear  witness  of  his  remarkable  freedom  from  bigotry,  cant  and 
uncharitable  constructions  of  other  men's  motives  and  opinions.  He  seemed 
to  be  imbued  with  that  charity  which  thinketh  no  evil. 

"As  a  member  of  the  legal  profession,  and  confining  himself  exclusively  to 
office  practice  of  that  branch  of  the  law,  having  to  do  with  real  estate  and  the 
administration  of  estates,  he  wielded  an  influence  and  was  in  the  control  and 
direction  of  interests  to  an  extent  totally  unknown  nor  dreamed  of  by  the 
members  who  met  with  him  as  the  epiiet,  unobtrusive  business  man. 

"He  was  not  given  to  demonstrations  of  his  influence  and  business,  as  the 
manner  of  some  is.  Indeed,  he  had,  in  all  respects,  to  be  known  intimately  to 
be  understood  and  appreciated. 

"  Within  the  sacred  enclosure  of  the  family  circle,  where  the  real  man  is 
revealed,  his  death  brings  a  sorrow  with  which  the  stranger  may  not  inter- 
meddle, and  of  which  more  than  a  mention  is  here  out  of  place. 

"  May  the  Father  of  mercies  and  (Jod  of  all  comfort,  who  has  in  wisdom 
stricken  them,  bind  up  their  broken  hearts,  give  them  strength  for  the  burden 
He  has  cast  upon  them,  lift  up  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon  them,  and 
give  them  peace." 


384 


APPENDIX. 


JAMES  J.  LEVICK,  M.  D. 
Dr.  James  J.  Leviek  died  suddenly  on  First-day,  the  twenty -fifth  of  Sixth 
Month,  1893.     Mis  funeral,  on  the  following  Fourth-day,  was  at  Friends' 
Meeting-house  on  Twelfth  Street.    It  was  very  large. 

[From  the  Philadelphia  Daily  Evening  Telegraph,  June  27th,  189:!.] 
In  Memortam. 

Dr.  James  Jones  Leviek,  who  died  suddenly  on  Sunday,  was  one  of  Phila- 
delphia's most  prominent  physicians.  He  was  horn  in  this  city  July  28,  1824. 
His  early  education  was  completed  at  Haverford  College,  and  soon  after  this 
he  commenced  the  study  of  medicine,  under  the  supervision  of  the  late  Dr. 
George  H.  Wood,  who  was  his  preceptor,  and  graduated  at  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania  in  1847. 

He  soon  built  up  a  large  and  lucrative  practice,  which  he  retained  until  his 
death. 

He  was  elected  a  member  of  the  medical  staff  of  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital 
in  1850,  and  served  a  period  of  twelve  years  and  five  months,  resigning  in 
1868.  He  had  previously  served  the  Hospital  as  a  resident  physician  during 
the  years  1849  and  1851. 

Dr.  Leviek  was  elected  a  Fellow  of  the  College  of  Physicians  in  April 
L851  ;  lie  was  for  forty -one  years  physician  to  the  Magdalene  Asylum;  physi- 
cian to  the  Wills'  Eye  Hospital  from  1858  to  1805;  a  member  of  the  American 
Medical  Association  since  1804,  and  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  0f 
Philadelphia  since  1805.  In  1855  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Historical 
Society  of  Pennsylvania,  and  in  185.'!  a  member  of  the  Philadelphia  County 
Medical  Society. 

Dr.  Leviek  was  a  frequent  contributor  to  the  medical  journals,  and  his 
papers  on  various  medical  subjects  commanded  widespread  attention  in  this 
country,  as  well  as  abroad.  He  wrote. in  1801  a  most  valuable  and  important 
paper  on  "  Epidemic  Influenza  and  Its  Treatment."  Dr.  Leviek  was  an  au- 
thority on  historical  subjects,  especially  on  the  early  settlers  of  Pennsylvania. 
He  wrote  a  paper  on  the  early  physicians  of  Philadelphia,  which  was  ex- 
haustive, instructive,  and  most  entertaining.  This  was  prepared  at  the  request 
of  the  Association  of  the  ex-Resident  Physicians  of  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital, 
and  read  by  him  at  the  first  meeting  of  that  Association. 

He  was  early  identified  with  the  Welsh  Society,  and  became  one  of  its  most 
prominent  members,  as  his  grandfather  was  before  him.  His  last  literary 
work,  read  before  the  Historical  Society,  which  is  now  in  the  printer's  hands, 


APPENDIX. 


385 


is  entitled  "  The  Early  Welsh  Quakers  and  Their  Emigration  to  Pennsyl- 
vania." 

Dr.  Levick,  as  a  teacher  of  medical  students,  in  the  amphitheatre,  and  at 
the  bedside  of  the  patient,  was  unsurpassed.  His  delivery  was  clear,  concise, 
and  thorough.  He  was  a  member  of  what  in  olden  times  was  known  as  a 
"  Quiz,"  the  reputation  of  which  was  known  all  over  the  country,  and  was  con- 
tinued until  the  methods  of  medical  education  were  radically  changed. 

The  friendships  so  formed  among  the  younger  medical  men  continued  until 
the  present. 

The  Welsh  mottoes  which  adorn  the  Bryn  Mawr  Hotel  were  devised  by 
Dr.  Levick,  who  spent  part  of  two  summers  in  Wales,  going  over  the  country, 
freshening  old  memories,  and  securing  historical  data.  He  was  a  most  pru- 
dent, safe  and  conservative  physician,  and  was  constantly  sought  by  his  fellow- 
practitioners  in  consultation.  Dr.  Levick  was  a  man  of  excellent  literary 
attainment,  was  poetical,  and  wrote  considerable  which  might  suitably  be  pre- 
served. In  disposition,  he  was  markedly  social,  was  a  good  entertainer,  a  true 
and  loving  friend.  He  died  a  member  of  the  religious  Society  of  Friends,  in 
which  he  had  a  birthright,  whose  views  were  his,  not  only  by  education,  but 
by  strong  conviction. 


A  WESTERN  TOUR* 

This  journey,  through  portions  of  the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey, 
New  York,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Kentucky  and  Virginia  was  made,  in  company  with 
my  father,  in  the  Autumn  of  1840. 

Leaving  Philadelphia  on  the  third  of  Eighth  Month,  I  went  by  stage  to 
Quakertown,  Penna.,  where  three  days  passed  pleasantly  with  kind  friends. 
On  the  sixth  I  took  the  stage  for  Easton.  As  we  were  passing  through  a  por- 
tion of  Bucks  County,  one  of  the  passengers,  an  Irishman,  remarked  that  he 
had  not  seen  any  good  corn  since  he  left  Pennsylvania.  At  Bethlehem,  a  young 
clergyman  took  passage  with  us,  and  he  and  I  soon  became  acquainted.  At 
Easton  we  stopped  at  the  same  inn  and  continued  our  conversation  through 
the  evening.  Much  was  said  by  both,  and  I  found  him  a  learned  disputant  in 
the  schools  of  man,  but  quite  the  reverse  in  the  school  of  Christ.  We  conversed 
on  various  subjects  connected  with  the  Christian  religion,  and  I  hope  the  in- 
terview was  not  unprofitable.    He  seemed  pleased  that  we  had  met. 


*  Made  by  Samuel  .1.  Levick  wben  twenty-one  years  of  age. 


386 


APPENDIX. 


( )n  the  following  morning  I  left  Baston  for  the  Monroe  Tannery,  where 
lather  joined  me.  I  Miring  our  stay,  George  Dillwyn  Jones,  brother  James  and 
myself,  went  up  the  mountain,  and  by  strolling  after  berries,  we  should  have 
lost  our  way  had  it  not  been  for  the  precaution  which  I  had  taken  to  blaze  the 
trees  with  my  knife.  I  mention  this  for  the  instruction  of  those  who  may  read 
this  account.  A  few  days  later,  James  Bear  and  myself  took  a  walk  up  Bear 
Mountain,  and  an  interesting  one  it  proved  to  be.  It  was  one  of  those  after- 
noons of  the  late  summer,  when  a  clear  atmosphere  and  a  bright  sky  mark  the 
approach  of  autumn.  The  beauty  of  the  landscape  was  enhanced  by  the  dis- 
tinctness with  which  distant  objects  could  be  seen.  We  regaled  ourselves  with 
whortleberries — which  were  abundant — and  with  clear  cold  water  from  the 
brook.  In  the  distance  we  saw  the  Neversink  Hills,  which  stretch  across  the 
northern  part  of  New  Jersey,  while  southward  was  a  fine  view  of  the  Delaware 
Water  <  rap.  We  feasted  our  eyes  from  this  natural  observatory  until  the  sun 
began  to  lengthen  out  our  shadows,  and  the  ruddy  appearance  of  the  western 
sky  reminded  us  of  approaching  night.  On  the  homeward  journey  we  heard 
the  distant  sound  of  a  bugle,  reminding  us  of  what  we  had  read  about  the  Al- 
pine Shepherds  calling  their  Hocks  at  eventide,  by  blowing  the  familiar  horn. 
The  shades  of  evening  were  gathering  when  we  reached  our  comfortable  quar- 
ters, somewhat  fatigued,  yet  pleased  with  the  afternoon's  excursion. 

On  Seventh-day  afternoon,  I  went  to  Easton,  where  father  joined  me  on  the 
following  day,  and,  for  about  six  weeks,  we  were  traveling  companions. 
On  Second-day  we  went  to  New  York,  by  stage  a.s  far  as  Bound  Brook,  cars 
thence  to  Elizabeth  Port,  and  steamboat  up  the  bay  to  the  great  commercial 
city.  Before  arriving  at  the  pier  we  saw,  in  the  distance,  a  large,  moving 
object,  which,  on  nearer  view,  proved  to  be  the  trans- Atlantic  steamer,  Presi- 
dent. We  went  to  Castle  Garden  to  see  the  great  leviathan  come  in.  The 
arrival  was  announced  by  the  foolish  practice  of  firing  guns.  Crowds  of  peo- 
ple had  gathered  to  witness  the  landing  .  .  .  We  chose  for  our  stopping 
place  the  Merchants'  Hotel,  a  very  comfortable  hostlery  of  which  Charles 
Wyckoff  is  the  proprietor.  In  the  afternoon  went  to  "  The  Swamp" — the 
great  mart  for  leather  merchants — and  in  the  evening,  after  a  walk,  retired 
early  to  our  comfortable  beds.  The  gentle  Morpheus,  administering  his  spirit) 
we  were  soon  wrapped  in  his  arms,  and  thus  remained  until  awakened  by  the 
light  of  another  day.  .  .  Third-day,  eighteenth,  we  left  New  York  for  a 
sail  up  the  noble  Hudson.  Our  steamer  was  the  favorite  one,  named  The  Troy. 
It  is  three  hundred  feet  long,  and  plies  between  New  York  and  Albany.  We 
took  passage  for  Poughkeepsie  and  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  some  friends, 


APPENDIX. 


387 


who  were  bound  for  the  same  place.  So  we  formed  a  company  of  six  to  enjoy 
together  the  scenery  on  the  hanks  of  the  grandest  of  American  rivers. 

After  passing  t lie  Palisades,  we  came  to  an  expansion  of  the  river,  known 
as  Tappan  Zee.  On  the  east  bank  stands  the  village  of  Tarrvtown,  near  which 
the  youthful  Andre  was  captured,  and  had  to  pay  the  forfeit  of  his  life  for 
being  a  spy.  A  little  farther  north  is  Sing  Sing,  where  there  is  a  prison  hav- 
ing eight  hundred  separate  cells,  and  incarcerating  nearly  one  thousand  pris- 
oners. Having  passed  through  Haverstraw  Hay,  we  came  to  the  Highlands* 
which  extend  for  miles  along  the  river,  and  at  one  place  have  a  height  of  fifteen 
hundred  feet.  These  mountain  barriers  are  supposed  by  some  geologists  to  have 
arrested  the  course  of  the  river,  and  caused  it  to  form  a  lake,  which  covered 
the  land  to  a  considerable  distance  north  and  west  ;  but  owing  to  some  con- 
vulsion of  nature,  they  gave  way,  and  thus  the  water  of  the  lake  escaped,  and 
went  south  to  New  York  Bay.  Among  the  Highlands  on  the  west  side  of  the 
river,  at  a  place  called  West  Point,  is  the  U.  S.  Military  Academy. 

Above  these  mountains  the  river  is  wider,  and  the  country  more  level. 
Xewburg  stands  on  an  acclivity,  and  has  eight  thousand  inhabitants.  Beyond 
it  is  Milton,  said  to  he  half  way  between  New  York  and  Albany.  At  Pough- 
keepsie,  our  friends  and  ourselves  went  ashore,  and  at  Hoyt's  Hotel  found  good 
entertainment.  The  afternoon  and  evening  were  passed  very  agreeably  at  the 
house  of  our  friend,  Samuel  Smith.  About  ten  P.  M.  father  and  self  boarded 
a  boat  for  Kingston,  where  we  stopped  at  Pardee's  Hotel  and  rested  comforta- 
bly. In  the  morning  our  landlord  supplied  us  with  a  horse  and  buggy,  to  go 
to  the  tannery  at  Napponock.  It  was  about  noon  when  we  arrived  at  the  vil- 
lage, and  found  .Judge  Lndnum,  to  whom  father  had  a  letter  of  introduction 
from  Valentine  Everit,  of  New  York.  The  .Judge  was  very  courteous,  and 
disposed  to  give  us  all  the  information  that  we  desired  concerning  "  Cox's 
Roller  and  Belt  System  of  Tanning.''  After  taking  us  to  Shook's  Tannery, 
where  this  system  is  in  operation,  he  went  with  us  to  several  places  of  interest 
in  other  lines  of  business.  One  of  the  buildings  visited  was  a  stone  one,  five 
stories  in  height,  and  formerly  used  as  a  tannery.  In  the  upper  part  of  this 
structure,  father  trod  on  a  loose  board  and  came  near  being  precipitated  into 
the  vats  below,  but  was  saved  by  timely  assistance  which  I  was  enabled  to  ren- 
der him.  From  Napponock  we  went  to  the  Lackawack  Tannery,  with  a  horse 
and  vehicle  furnished  us  by  the  Judge,  and  also  provided  with  a  letter  from 
him  to  the  foreman.  We  found  the  latter  not  only  well  acquainted  with  his 
business,  but  also  accommodating,  and  disposed  to  give  us  the  full  benefit  of 
his  knowledge  of  tanning.  The  building  is  a  wooden  one,  two  hundred  and 
fifty  feet  long  and  a  story  and  a-half  high,  containing  one  hundred  and  forty 


388 


APPENDIX. 


vats,  and  having  a  capacity  for  tanning  twenty  thousand  sides  of  leather  at 
one  time.  After  making  our  observations  we  returned  to  Napponock,  and 
passed  the  evening  at  the  hotel,  partly  in  listening  to  a  conversation  carried 
on  by  the  landlord  and  one  of  his  guests,  on  the  subject  of  religion;  the  re- 
marks of  both  were  good.  Before  retiring  we  accompanied  the  Judge  on  a 
walk  through  the  village,  and  then  took  leave  of  him. 

Next  day  we  drove  back  to  Kingston,  and  went  thence  to  Albany,  by  the 
favorite  steamer,  The  Troy.  We  had  a  tine  view  of  the  Catskill  Mountains  in 
their  grandeur,  and  after  passing  Athens,  Hudson,  Kinderhook  and  other  land- 
ings, we  came  in  sight  of  Albany.  This  city,  like  most  of  those  on  the  Hud- 
son, is  situated  on  rising  ground,  so  that  it  shows  to  good  advantage  from 
the  river.  We  stopped  at  the  American  House,  kept  by  Job  Thomas,  and 
after  supper  took  a  stroll  through  the  city,  visiting  the  State  House,  City  Hall, 
etc.  Albany  impressed  me  as  being  a  place  of  great  wickedness — so  much  pro- 
fanity and  bad  conduct  made  it  unpleasant  even  to  the  visitor.  On  retiring  to 
our  room,  and  examining  the  beds,  we  found  them  infested  with  red  ants,  which 
are  a  great  annoyance  to  the  people  of  this  place.  These  little  disturbers  of 
rest  were  so  numerous  that  we  applied  to  our  landlord  for  a  change  of  room, 
where  we  (or  rather  I)  slept  soundly.  On  Sixth-day  morning  we  took  the 
train  for  Utica. 

Soon  after  leaving  Albany  we  were  taken  down  an  inclined  plane  similar  to 
the  one  on  the  Schuylkill,  near  Philadelphia.  The  soil,  as  far  as  Schenectady, 
appeared  sandy  and  sterile ;  but  after  getting  fairly  into  the  valley  of  the 
Mohawk,  tbe  land  looked  as  if  rich  and  well  tilled.  Broom-corn  was  abund- 
ant and  luxuriant.  Our  car  was  divided  into  three  compartments,  and  I  was 
pleased  to  note  that  one  of  them  contained  two  colored  men  along  with  the 
white  passengers.  Soon  after  leaving  Schenectady,  however,  I  observed  that 
the  whites  had  all  left  the  compartment,  and  that  an  Indian  family  and  the 
two  colored  men  were  the  only  occupants  of  it.  On  inquiring  into  the  matter 
I  learned  that  the  whites  had  complained  of  being  compelled  to  ride  with 
"niggers,"  and  so  the  conductor  had  ordered  the  Indian  and  his  family  to 
come  into  this  compartment,  giving  up  to  the  whites  (who  were  unwilling  to 
ride  with  "niggers")  the  places  which  they  had  been  occupying.  Thus  we 
see  that  Indian  and  African  come  under  the  same  ban  of  proscription. 

Before  reaching  Utica,  I  met,  on  the  train,  James  C.  Fuller,  on  his  return 
from  "  The  World's  Convention,"  recently  held  in  London,  for  advancing  the 
cause  of  universal  freedom.  We  dined  together,  and  then  called  on  William 
(iodell,  editor  of  The  Friend  of  Man,  with  whom  we  conversed  until  time  to 
take  the  train  for  Syracuse.    I  soon  entered  the  compartment  occupied  by  my 


APPENDIX. 


389 


dusky  brethren,  and  on  opening  the  door,  one  of  them  said  to  me,  "Are  you  not 
afraid  to  come  in  here  ?"  On  assuring  him  that  I  was  not,  he  bade  me  welcome 
among  them.  Both  of  these  colored  men  appeared  to  be  respectable,  and  their 
conversation  proved  them  to  be  quite  intelligent.  They  were  on  their  return 
from  a  convention  which  had  been  held  at  Albany,  for  the  purpose  of  endeav- 
oring to  induce  the  Hate  Government  to  grant  to  them,  more  fully,  their  po- 
litical rights.  We  conversed  on  various  subjects.  I  also  talked  with  my  Indian 
brother,  who  is  a  chief  of  the  Onondago  tribe.  He  desired  to  know  if  I  was 
one  of  those  who  was  going  to  assist  in  their  emigration.  I  told  him  I  was 
not.  On  my  asking  if  they  were  going  West,  he  said  they  were  divided  as  to 
choice  of  settlement,  though  most  of  them  would  go  to  Canada,  if  the  rulers  of 
the  United  States  insisted  on  their  leaving  New  York  ;  but  added,  that  they 
wanted  to  stay.  1  then  asked  whether,  if  thev  removed  to  Canada,  they  would 
not  have  to  come  under  the  control  of  the  British  Government?  lie  answered 
that  he  supposed  they  would.  I  enquired  why  not  settle  in  this  country,  and 
be  subject  to  the  United  States  <  tovernment  ?  His  reply  was  about  as  follows, 
"No,  Americans  treat  Indians  so  bad.  They  hate  Indians.  White  men  think 
they  got  better  color  than  Indians,  so  they  want  Indians  away."  As  he  had  a 
son  along  with  him,  I  asked  him  if  they  taught  the  young  Indians  to  fight. 
He  said,  "No,  we  think  it  wrong  to  tight."  Woe!  woe!  may  lie  unto  thee, 
thou  land  of  my  birth,  if  thou  continuest  to  trample  on  the  rights  of  an  inno- 
cent and  peaceable  people,  who,  when  our  lathers  landed  on  these  shores, 
destitute  and  far  from  home,  took  them  in,  clothed  and  ted  them.  And  now  , 
my  country,  in  the  days  of  thy  prosperity,  canst  thou  turn  away  the  depressed 
sons  and  weeping  daughters  of  those  who  were  the  benefactors  of  our  forefa- 
thers? Canst  thou  remove  them  from  their  homes,  and  the  graves  of  their 
sires — by  them  held  so  dear — Oh  !  where  are  thy  feelings  of  gratitude?  Have 
they  been  swallowed  up  in  thy  eagerness  for  possessing  a  tract  of  land  which 
is  as  a  speck  on  thy  vast  domain.  And  now,  if  thou  hearkenest  not  to  the 
cries  of  the  poor,  our  God,  who  sees  their  afflictions,  will  come  down  for  their 
deliverance,  and  with  an  outstretched  arm,  will  rescue  them  from  their  op- 
pressor, or  thou  wilt  feel  his  chastening  rod!  .  .  .  Between  Utica  and 
Syracuse  we  passed  the  Oswego  Indian  Reservation,  and  here  the  chief  and  his 
family  left  the  train.  At  Syracuse  we  were  detained  awhile,  and  the  mingled 
cries  of  hackmen,  hotel-runners  and  packet-agents,  filled  our  ears.  After  a 
time  of  this  confusion  we  got  started  on  the  Auburn  cars,  and  in  the  course  of 
a  few  hours  arrived  at  that  city,  and  were  piloted  to  the  American  Hotel, 
which  is  an  excellent  house,  being  well  ordered  for  the  comfort  of  the  traveler. 
Next  morning,  at  eleven  o'clock,  we  took  the  stage  for  Waterloo,  a  distance 


390 


APPENDIX. 


of  fourteen  miles.  On  the  way,  crossed  Cayuga  Lake,  on  a  bridge  more  than 
a  mile  in  length,  and  halted  at  the  town  of  Cayuga.  At  Waterloo  we  stopped 
over  two  days  to  visit  friends ;  dividing  the  time  among  the  three  families 
Richard  and  Sarah  Hunt,  George  Prior  and  wife,  and  the  daughters  of  Thomas 
M'Clintock.  These  young  women— whose  parents  had  gone  on  a  journey — 
set  before  me  some  eatables,  not  polluted  by  the  foul  stain  of  slavery.  I  par- 
took of  the  repast  with  real  enjoyment.  We  were  kindly  cared  for  at  all  three 
of  the  places.  ( )n  First-day,  father — not  feeling  well — rested,  and  I  went  to 
meeting  with  Richard  Hunt.  On  Second  day  afternoon  we  took  leave  of  our 
kind  friends  and  went  by  stage  to  Rochester.  This  is  a  tine  agricultural  coun- 
try, and  the  lakes  are  a  source  of  admiration  to  the  traveler.  They  also  are 
utilised  as  feeders  to  the  canals.  The  timber,  most  abundant,  is  black  ash  and 
maple.  During  the  afternoon,  in  the  stage,  we  had  a  discussion  on  slavery, 
which  gave  me  an  opportunity  to  express  my  sentiments  on  this  grave  subject. 
We  passed  through  Geneva  and  Canandaigua,  and  arrived  at  Rochester  about 
half-past  eight  o'clock. 

This  place,  which  has  grown  up  in  a  few  years,  is  now  quite  a  large  town, 
and  has  very  extensive  flour  mills  and  some  other  manufactures.  At  present  a 
great  work  of  engineering  is  being  carried  on  here.  The  Erie  Canal  is  to  be 
enlarged,  and  taken  by  a  viaduct  over  the  Genesee  River. 

On  Third-day  morning  left  Rochester  for  Niagara  Falls,  via  Lockport.  We 
passed  over  the  Ridge  Road,  a  sort  of  natural  turnpike,  extending  sixty  miles 
on  the  top  of  a  ridge  that,  in  many  places,  is  not  any  more  than  wide  enough 
for  the  road,  the  banks  descending  on  either  side.  The  road-bed  is  level,  and 
hard  as  a  turnpike.  Probably  never  before  did  I  see  so  much  fruit  in  one  day 
— apples  and  peaches — the  trees  bending  or  breaking  down  with  their  weight. 
Traveling  rapidly  for  staging,  we  arrived  at  Lockport  before  five  o'clock,  and 
rode  up  to  take  a  view  of  the  series  of  locks  from  which  the  place  takes  its 
name. 

This  is  one  of  the  great  works  of  man,  and  it  shows  his  ability  to  overcome 
the  obstacles  that  impede  his  progress.  Here  we  see  the  water  of  the  Erie 
Canal,  and  the  boats  that  pass  over  it,  raised  a  distance  of  eighty  feet  by  a 
series  of  five  connecting  locks.  At  five  o'clock  we  boarded  the  train  for  Niag- 
ara Falls,  and  in  about  two  hours  arrived  at  the  village  which  bears  that 
name.  During  the  day  we  had  traveled  nearly  one  hundred  miles,  sixty-four 
being  by  stage,  so  we  felt  willing  to  leave  our  view  of  the  Falls  until  morn- 
ing, though  already  had  our  ears  been  saluted  by  the  sound  of  their  roaring. 
We  took  lodgings  at  the  Eagle  Hotel — a  good  house,  with  attentive  officers — 
and  passed  the  evening  in  writing  and  in  conversation.    Our  fatigue  being  a 


APPENDIX. 


391 


sufficient  opiate,  we  were  asleep  soon  after  retiring.  As  the  morning  sun  shone 
through  our  window,  the  low,  dull  sound  of  the  cataract  fell  upon  our  ears,  in- 
forming us  that  we  were  at  Niagara.  Having  taken  our  breakfast,  and  sup- 
plied ourselves  with  a  guide-book,  we  proceeded,  in  company  with  a  friend,  to 
view  one  of  Nature's  mighty  works.  The  first  curiosity  that  attracts  our 
attention  is  the" "  Rapids,"  or  the  river  above  the  Falls,  making  its  way 
among  the  masses  of  rock.  These  rocks,  which  are  thickly  studded  from 
shore  to  shore,  for  some  distance  above  the  Falls,  arrest  the  flow  of  the  water 
in  its  rapid  descent,  and  cause  the  spray  to  rise  to  the  height  of  many  feet.  It 
appears  to  the  spectator  as  if  each  wave  was  trying  to  pass  its  fellow,  in  haste 
to  reach  the  seething  gulf  below.  So  great  a  volume  of  water  pouring  over 
the  rocks  with  such  velocity,  gives  to  the  scene  an  awfully  grand  appearance. 
Here  we  crossed  a  bridge  to  what  is  called  Goat  or  Iris  Island,  paying  twenty- 
five  cents  each,  and  recording  our  names  in  a  book  kept  by  the  custodian.  He 
also  has  quite  a  variety  of  articles  for  sale,  among  which  walking-sticks  figure 
largely.  Father  purchased  one  of  these,  and  found  it  very  helpful.  We  fol- 
lowed a  hard,  beaten  path,  made  so  by  the  footsteps  of  the  many  pilgrims  who, 
like  ourselves,  had  been  to  pay  homage  (to  use  a  quoted  expression)  to  this 
wonderful  work  of  an  Almighty  Hand.  We  soon  came  to  the  brink  of  Ribbon 
Fall.  Here  we  stood  in  silent  admiration,  and  viewed  the  mighty  column  rolling 
in  stately  grandeur,  down,  down,  into  the  sounding  gulf.  Leaving  this  part  of  the 
island,  we  proceeded  a  short  distance,  and  came  to  a  wooden  structure  known 
as  the  Riddle  Staircase,  so  called  from  Nicholas  Riddle,  of  Philadelphia, 
who  contributed  the  money  to  build  it.  Descending  these  stairs,  we  went  In 
the  Cave  of  the  Winds,  where,  owing  to  the  structure  of  the  rocks,  there  is  a 
great  rushing  of  air  from  under  the  Falls.  ( )n  the  other  side  of  the  staircase, 
we  have  a  view  upward  of  the  Canadian  Fall.  There  is  some  danger  incurred 
in  standing  here,  owing  to  the  liability  of  portions  of  rock  that  overhang  the 
bank,  to  fall.  It  is  a  limestone  formation,  and  the  moisture  to  which  it  is  ex- 
posed, may  at  any  time  cause  it  to  crack  and  fall  to  the  earth  below  in  pieces  of 
various  sizes.  The  next  point  of  especial  note  was  Terrapin  Tower.  This 
structure  is  built  of  stone.  It  is  reached  by  crossing  a  short  bridge,  and  as- 
cended by  a  spiral  staircase  on  the  inside.  The  balcony  at  I  he  top  is  sur- 
rounded by  an  iron  railing,  and  from  it  the  visitor  has  the  finest  view  of  the 
Falls  to  be  obtained  on  the  American  side. 

The  river  here  is  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  wide,  and  the  peculiar  curve 
in  the  rock-bed  over  which  it  falls,  has  given  to  it  the  name  of  Horse  shoe, 
though  it  is  more  generally  known  as  the  Canadian  Fall.  Here  we  stood,  look- 
ing down  upon  the  great  sheet  of  water,  rolling  in  ma  jestic  grandeur  into  the 


892 


APPENDIX. 


depth  below,  and  sending  up  its  cloud  of  spray.  The  morning  being  a  bright 
one,  rainbows  were  added  to  the  view,  so  that  we  had  the  awful  grandeur  of 
the  cataract,  the  delicate  beauty  of  the  mist,  and  the  brilliant  effects  of  color 
to  complete  the  picture.  No  speech  can  express,  no  pen  portray,  no  pencil 
delineate  the  beauty,  the  wonder  and  the  awe-inspiring  grandeur  of  Niagara 
Falls. 

Descending  from  Terrapin  Tower,  and  recrossing  the  little  bridge,  we  passed 
on  around  Goat  Island,  viewing  the  Cascades  and  the  Rapids,  and  then  re- 
turned to  our  hotel.  Immediately  after  dinner  we  went  down  a  short  distance 
below  the  Falls,  and  descending  a  flight  of  steps,  stood  at  the  margin  of  the 
river,  awaiting  the  return  of  a  row-boat  from  the  Canadian  side.  It  soon  ar- 
rived, and  in  company  with  some  others,  we  seated  ourselves  in  it,  and  paid 
eighteen  and  three-quarters  cents  each  for  the  ferriage.  Some  of  our  company 
received  not  only  the  moisture  of  the  spray,  but  also  the  water  that  splashed 
from  the  river.  I,  luckily,  escaped  the  latter,  but  a  young  German  who  sat 
next  to  me,  was  not  so  fortunate.  In  a  few  minutes  after  leaving  the  shore  of 
our  own  country,  we  were  landed  in  the  dominion  of  the  youthful  Queen.  Al- 
most the  first  object  that  attracted  our  attention  was  a  soldier,  whose  plaid  scarf 
and  frock  showed  that  he  belonged  to  a  company  of  Scotch  Highlanders.  These 
British  soldiers  are  placed  at  the  ferry  to  prevent  the  escape  of  young  ( 'anadians 
who  might  be  inclined  to  desert  from  the  army  and  go  over  to  the  United 
States.  Thus  we  see  the  means  employed  by  sovereigns  to  keep  the  young 
men  who  have  once  entered  the  ranks  bound  to  their  servile  calliny.  But,  as 
an  offset  to  the  military  despotism,  it  was  a  gratification  to  know  that  I  was  in 
a  country  which  is  a  secure  asylum  for  the  poor,  hunted,  down-trodden, 
afflicted  slave.  How  it  gladdens  my  heart  to  feel  that  there  are  on  this  globe 
[daces  where  slavery  cannot  exist.  The  poor  fugitive  from  bondage  puts  his 
foot  on  the  soil  of  Canada,  or  of  any  other  British  possession,  and  that  moment 
he  is  free.  But,  to  return  to  the  narration  of  our  journey.  After  passing 
along  some  distance,  we  had  a  full  front  view  of  the  middle  Fall  on  the 
American  side.  After  enjoying  this  view,  and  trying  to  take  it  in,  we  passed 
on  to  Table  Rock,  which  is  probably  the  best  point  of  observation  for  a  down- 
ward look  at  the  Falls  The  grandeur  here  displayed  far  surpasses  the  power 
of  my  pen  to  describe.  The  deep-green  waters  crested  with  white  foam,  dash 
over  into  the  seething  gulf  below,  while  the  rainbow,  with  its  gorgeous  color- 
ing, lies  on  the  surface  of  the  river,  and  extends  its  graceful  arch  above  and 
around  us.  Returning  to  the  ferry,  we  cross  to  the  American  side,  and  take 
our  leave  of  "  Niagara's  rolling  flood"  and  "thundering  cataract,"  pondering 


APPENDIX. 


393 


with  awe  the  wonder-working  of  that  Power  that  "gathers  the  wind  in  his 
fists,"  and  holds  the  waters  "in  the  hollow  of  his  hand." 

About  five  o'clock  we  took  the  train  for  Buffalo  and  were  hurried  along  over 
a  rough  road,  to  the  busy  and  promising  mart  which  stands  at  the  outlet  of  Lake 
Erie,  and  which,  in  my  view,  is  destined  to  be  one  of  the  largest  cities  of  the 
Western  World.  Amid  much  confusion  we  got  into  a  hack  which  took  us  to 
the  American  House,  a  capacious  and  excellent  hotel. 

Fifth-day,  Eighth  Month  27th. —  At  nine  A.  M.  we  boarded  the  steamer 
Missouri  for  Cleveland.  We  had  a  pretty  full  company  of  passengers  and 
much  freight,  and  the  boat  had  a  way  of  careening  at  times.  But  the  lake 
being  calm,  the  passage  was  a  pleasant  one.  Several  landings  were  made  before 
coming  to  Erie,  where,  the  stay  being  long  enough  to  take  on  wood,  we  walked 
up  to  the  town,  and,  to  our  surprise,  met  the  English  Friends,  Thomas  and 
Elizabeth  Robson,  who  are  travelling  on  a  religious  visit  in  this  country. 
They  were  accompanied  by  Aaron  Wills,  of  Kancocas,  New  Jersey.  After  a 
short  conversation  with  these  Friends,  we  returned  to  the  landing,  where  our 
boat  was  still  moored,  and  the  deck-hands  were  carrying  wood  on  lighters. 
It  was  near  dusk  when  our  comfortable  steamer  left  Erie  and  steered  for 
Cleveland.  When  securing  quarters  for  the  night  1  found  myself  in  company 
with  an  agreeable  man  from  New  York  State,  who  was  on  his  way  to  Michi- 
gan, to  secure  health  by  going  among  sickness.  He  is  suffering  from  an  affec- 
tion of  the  liver,  and  is  going  into  a  malarious  district  to  contract  chills  and 
fever  for  the  purpose  of  changing  his  disease.  He  is  taking  this  course  by 
the  advice  of  his  physicians.  We  had  a  good  deal  of  interesting  and  profitable 
conversation.  He  is  an  Abolitionist,  and  a  very  well-disposed  man.  He  wor- 
ships among  those  called  Presbyterians.  He  mentioned,  among  other  matters, 
having  met  Joseph  John  Gurney,.who  had  had  a  meeting  in  the  "Presbyterian 
(  hurch"  at  their  place,  and  he  told  how  much  they  liked  the  sermon.  He  also 
spoke  of  Gurney's  book  on  "The  Sabbath,"  and  how  much  he  was  pleased 
with  it.  Just  at  this  point  our  conversation  was  interrupted  by  the  steward, 
who  wanted  to  put  the  beds  in  place  for  the  night.  We  got  separated,  and  I 
saw  him  not  again.  He  impressed  me  as  being  a  sincere  and  worthy  man.  I 
retired  early,  and  consigned  myself  to  the  care  of  Him  who  slumbereth  not, 
neither  by  day  nor  by  night,  believing  that  He  would  care  for  us.  We  arose 
about  sunrise,  and  going  out  on  deck,  saw,  in  the  dim  distance,  the  spires  of 
Cleveland.  An  hour  biter  we  landed  and  went  to  the  American  Hotel  (this 
seems  to  be  the  popular  name  for  hotels  in  these  parts),  where  we  breakfasted, 
and  made  inquiry  concerning  stages,  etc.  We  learned  that  our  most  direct 
route  would  be  down  the  Ohio  and  Erie  Canal,  which  connects  the  waters  of 
25 


304 


APPENDIX. 


Lake  Erie  with  those  of  the  Ohio  River,  and  is  three  hundred  and  thirty-four 
miles  in  length.  We  took  passage  for  Massillon,  and  in  the  early  evening  left 
Cleveland  on  one  of  the  canal-packets,  gliding  smoothly  along,  at  the  rate  of 
four  miles  an  hour.  The  captain  makes  comfortable  provision  for  his  passen- 
gers and  keeps  things  snug  and  orderly  on  the  boat.  The  table  is  bountifully 
supplied  with  good  food,  and  the  sleeping  arrangements  are  such  as  are  com- 
mon on  these  packets.  Each  pallet  is  hung  on  catches  to  the  side  of  the  boat, 
and  suspended  by  ropes,  and  there  are  three  tiers  of  them.  Between  Cleve- 
land and  Massillon  the  distance  is  sixty -five  miles,  and  we  passed  through  about 
fifty  locks.  At  the  summit  we  were  four  hundred  and  sixty-nine  feet  higher 
than  when  we  left  Cleveland,  and  the  water  of  Summit  Lake  flows  either  way, 
to  the  Ohio  or  to  Lake  Erie.  In  the  descent  we  went  through  sixteen  locks 
in  the  space  of  ten  miles.  This  canal  cost  over  eight  millions  of  dollars.  The 
scenery  along  the  banks  is  rather  monotonous,  though  occasionally  we  saw  a 
well-cultivated  farm.  The  trees  are  mostly  beech  and  maple,  with  some  oak  and 
hickory.  Massillon,  however,  is  in  the  midst  of  a  fine  wheat  country,  which  is 
inhabited  by  a  hardy  yeomanry,  mostly  of  German  descent.  The  town  is  only 
thirteen  years  old,  but  for  its  size  it  is  the  busiest  place  we  have  seen  since 
leaving  home.  As  we  had  two  hours  before  stage  time,  I  made  a  pleasant  call 
on  Robert  Folger  and  his  sister.  The  distance  to  Paris  is  about  twenty  miles, 
and  on  the  way  we  stopped  for  supper  at  Canton,  the  county-seat  of  Starke 
County.  The  only  passenger  with  us  in  the  stage  was  quite  disposed  to  con- 
verse. He  and  I  talked  anti-slavery,  and  he  and  father,  politics.  The  latter 
seems  to  be  the  all-engrossing  topic  at  this  time,  as  a  President  is  to  be  elected 
m  a  few  weeks.  If  I  were  a  politician  I  could  talk  a  good  deal,  but,  as  it  is,  1 
keep  pretty  quiet  when  the  conversation  takes  a  political  turn  Damascus, 
which  is  our  objective  point,  is  fifteen  miles  beyond  Paris,  and,  as  no  public- 
conveyance  goes  there,  we  engaged  a  (German  to  take  us  in  a  farmer's  two- 
horse  wagon.  After  passing  through  a  wooded  country,  we  came  to  Mount 
I  nion,  and  stopped  to  water  the  horses  at  a  tavern  with  the  sign  of  "  Temper- 
ance House."  Water  was  provided  for  us  and  for  our  horses,  and,  as  is  my  custom, 
I  offered  a  piece  of  money  to  our  landlord  as  a  compensation  for  his  trouble. 
"  What  is  thii  for?"  said  he.  I  told  him  it  was  for  him.  "  What,  have  you  had 
something  to  drink?"  he  inquired,  looking  very  earnestly  at  a  cupboard,  the 
door  of  which  was  closed.  I  told  him,  "  No."  "Then,"  said  he,  "  I  don't  want 
this."  Surprised  I  was  to  hear  a  temperance  (?)  tavern-keeper  ask  a  temper- 
ance man  if  he  had  had  anything  to  drink,  [f  this  is  the  policy  pursued  by 
their  lemperancc  tavern- keepers,  1  fear  that  the  muse  will  not  make  much  pro- 
gress in  Ohio.    After  passing  along  a  level  road,  interspersed  here  and  there 


APPENDIX. 


with  a  piece  of  wooden  turnpike,  or  corduroy,  we  came  out  into  an  open  coun- 
try with  tine  farms,  and  soon  arrived  at  the  house  of  our  friend,  James  I!. 
Bruff.  In  the  afternoon  attended  a  meeting  at  Damascus,  appointed  by  a 
Friend  from  Indiana.  He  gave  us  excellent  advice.  I  may  remark  that  this 
day  (Eighth  Month  30,  1*40)  is  my  twenty-first  birthday. 

Eighth  Month  31st. — This  morning,  as  father  was  standing  in  the  road,  he 
attempted  to  assist  some  men  who  were  driving  an  infuriated  cow.  She  ran 
at  him,  and  would  in  all  probability  have  gored  him,  had  she  not  stumbled  and 
fallen  to  the  ground ;  for  he  had  fallen  and  sprained  his  ankle  in  his  attempt 
to  get  away  from  her.  Thus,  as  it  seemed,  by  Divine  interposition,  was  my 
dear  father  preserved  from  serious  injury.  Truly  we  have  renewed  cause  to 
thank  t lie  Father  of  mercies  for  his  care  over  us  and  for  this  remarkable 
preservation.  The  poor  animal  was  foaming  with  rage,  so  that  her  drivers 
were  obliged  to  abandon  their  undertaking  and  leave  her  in  a  field. 

In  the  afternoon  Evi  Stratton  took  me  to  Salem.  It  is  an  enterprising 
place,  and  in  the  midst  of  a  fertile  country.  Returning  to  Damascus,  we 
remained  one  more  night  with  our  kind  friends,  the  Bruff  family,  where,  for 
the  three  days  that  we  visited  them,  we  were  made  to  feel  so  welcome  that,  for 
the  time,  we  called  their  house  home.  From  every  member  of  the  family  — 
from  father  and  mother  down  to  the  youngest  child — we  received  evidences  of 
real  kindness.  On  the  last  day  of  our  visit,  the  English  Friend,  Elizabeth 
Robson,  had  an  appointed  meeting  at  Damascus,  in  which  she  delivered  a 
good  discourse. 

In  the  afternoon  Aaron  Woolman  kindly  took  us  to  New  Garden,  where  we 
remained  over  night  at  the  hotel.  In  the  morning  early  we  started  for  New 
Philadelphia,  our  landlord  taking  us  in  his  open  wagon.  Rain  came  on,  but 
a  large  umbrella  kept  all  three  of  us  dry.  At  Waynesburg  we  dined,  and  again 
started  out  in  the  rain,  but  soon  it  ceased,  and  the  road  being  a  good  one,  we 
travelled  comfortably  to  Zore,  where  we  stopped  and  had  an  opportunity  to 
see  this  settlement.  It  is  peopled  by  a  community  called  Zorites,  a  secession 
from  the  Lutheran  Church.  They  have  "all  things  in  common,"  and  number 
nearly  four  hundred  members.  Formerly  they  forbade  marriage,  but  now  they 
have  abandoned  that  anti-Christian  notion.  They  keep  no  swine,  neither  do 
they  eat  of  its  flesh.  They  have  large  herds  of  cattle  and  flocks  of  sheep  in 
charge  of  keepers  I  also  noticed  the  fine  appearance  of  the  draught-horses. 
They  have  well-equipped  flour  mills,  an  iron  foundry  and  a  tan-yard,  also  a 
store  and  a  spacious  tavern,  both  well  kept.  A  company  of  women  were 
spreading  flax  on  a  green  sward,  preparatory  to  its  being  made  into  linen, 
of  which  they  manufacture  a  large  quantity.    Their  chief  man  is  J.  M.  Bei- 


396 


APPENDIX. 


railer,  who  lives  in  a  large  house,  and  has  a  garden  far  surpassing  any  one 
that  we  have  seen  since  leaving  home. 

At  New  Philadelphia  we  boarded  the  packet  for  Hebron,  and  passed  a  quiet, 
comfortable  night. 

Fifth-day,  Ninth  Month  3rd. — A  fine  morning  found  us  travelling  with 
more  ease  than  speed.  During  the  day  we  passed  several  thriving  villages. 
The  scenery  along  the  Lycking  Creek  is  quite  romantic.  The  banks  rise 
almost  perpendicularly  to  a  considerable  height,  and  are  lined  with  a  sand- 
stone rock,  which  has  a  honey-combed  appearance.  This  rock  is  extensively 
quarried  and  sent  up  and  down  the  canal.  There  are  also  coal-mines  in  the 
vicinity. 

About  noon  an  exciting  incident  occurred  on  board  the  boat.  A  company 
seated  at  a  table  had  become  much  absorbed  in  a  game  of  cards,  when  the 
steward  disturbed  them,  in  order  to  make  preparation  for  dinner.  One  of  this 
company  was  the  custodian  of  a  prisoner,  but  he  had  become  so  much  inter- 
ested in  the  game,  as  to  neglect  keeping  a  watch  over  his  charge,  and  the  lat- 
ter, seizing  the  golden  opportunity,  had  made  his  escape.  It  was  thought  he 
had  been  gone  about  an  hour  before  the  officer  was  aware  of  his  absence. 

Toward  evening  L  had  a  conversation  with  a  young  man  who  had  never 
before  been  in  company  with  a  Friend.  We  talked  on  religious  subjects,  and 
he  seemed  to  be  glad  of  the  opportunity.  It  was  about  ten  p.  M.  when  we  ar- 
rived at  Hebron,  and  took  lodgings  at  a  place  which  looked  rather  untidy,  but 
we  slept  pretty  soundly  until  morning.  Another  passenger  had  also  stopped 
here  over  night,  and  after  breakfast,  we  three  took  a  private  conveyance  for  Co- 
lumbus, at  which  town  we  arrived  about  noon,  the  journey  having  been  made 
over  the  National  Road.  We  took  a  walk  through  the  town,  looking  at  the 
buildings  of  most  interest.  The  bridge  over  the  Scioto  River  is  a  substantial 
structure,  being  one  of  those  on  the  National  Road,  built  by  the  United  States 
( lovernment.  We  saw  the  partly-built  State  House,  which  is  lying  in  an  un- 
finished condition,  owing  to  the  "  hard  times."  This  being  a  "  general-muster 
day,"  the  streets  were  thronged  with  military,  and  our  ears  were  filled  with  the 
noise  of  drum  and  fife.  We  stopped  at  the  National  House,  opposite  to  which 
the  militia  mustered,  and  as  is  usual  on  such  occasions,  brawling  and  fighting 
(not  under  official  orders)  resulted.  The  clubs  and  guns  flew  in  various  direc- 
tions. After  supper  we  started  for  Springfield  in  a  stage,  which  was  large  and 
full  of  passengers.  As  night  put  on  her  sable  mantle,  our  company  was  hushed 
in  silence.  Many  miles  were  passed  in  this  way,  and  as  the  stage  occasionally 
stopped,  the  yawning  travellers— ourselves  included — would  tumble  out  to 
stretch  their  cramped  limbs. 


APPENDIX. 


397 


Arriving'  at  Springfield  about  two  o'clock  A.  M.,  we  took  lodging  at  the 
Buckeye  House.  Here  we  hired  a  man  to  take  us  out  to  the  home  of  our 
cousins,  John  and  Rebecca  Thomas,  where  we  enjoyed  a  visit  of  four  clays.  One 
evening  1  went  with  Palmer  Thomas  to  a  Dunkard  meeting,  the  first  one  that 
I  ever  attended.  They  worslrip  in  the  dwelling-houses  of  their  members.  This 
meeting  had  been  called  for  a  stranger  who  was  among  them.  As  they  came 
into  the  house,  the  men  saluted  one  another  by  the  hand,  and  by  a  kiss.  After 
some  time  passed  in  silence,  they  had  service  in  German,  a  hymn,  a  chapter 
in  the  New  Testament,  a  period  of  silence,  and  a  sermon.  Though  ignorant 
of  the  language,  I  was  convinced  that  the  stranger  delivered  a  powerful  dis- 
course. Then  began  the  English  service.  First,  an  excellent  discourse,  then 
several  prayers,  and  lastly  a  hymn,  after  which  the  meeting  closed.  I  was 
touch  impressed  with  the  simple  and  solemn  worship  of  these  people.  On 
Fourth-day,  our  kind  relatives  took  us  to  Dayton,  and  on  our  arrival,  we  found 
hospitality,  as  well  as  shelter,  at  the  house  of  our  relative,  Edward  Edmund- 
son.  The  city  was  crowded  with  strangers,  who  had  come  in  anticipation  of  a 
great  Whig  meeting,  to  be  held  on  the  following  day.  The  time  chosen  was 
the  anniversary  of"  Perry's  victory  on  Lake  Erie."  During  the  evening  and 
throughout  the  night,  throngs  of  people  were  coming  into  town,  and,  as  the 
morning  dawned,  all  the  avenues  were  crowded  with  vehicles,  horsemen  and 
footmen,  making  their  way  toward  the  place  of  celebration.  The  estimates  of 
the  number  of  human  beings  in  the  vast  throng,  varied  from  sixty  thousand  to 
a  hundred  thousand,  many  of  whom  were  women.  Although  we  could  hear 
the  music  and  the  hurrahing,  yet  I  did  not  feel  at  liberty  to  take  any  part  in 
this  demonstration,  not  even  so  much  as  to  be  a  looker-on. 

Notwithstanding  the  noise  that  filled  the  air,  we  found  ourselves,  in  the 
evening,  quietly  enjoying  the  company  of  the  Edmundson  family.  They  had 
a  visitor,  who  seemed  desirous  to  introduce  the  subject  of  slavery.  He  advanced 
arguments,  and  1  endeavored  to  answer  them.  So  we  had  a  discussion,  all  in 
good  feeling,  that  continued  nearly  an  hour,  when  he  appeared  desirous  to  turn 
the  conversation  into  some  other  channel.  The  evening  being  far  spent,  we  soon 
retired,  and  on  the  following  morning  made  preparations  to  leave  Dayton  for 
Richmond,  Ind.  Our  road,  for  more  than  half  the  distance,  was  a  poor  one, 
as  they  are  making  a  turnpike  of  it,  and  we  were  obliged  in  several  places  to 
leave  the  main  track,  and  go  into  the  fields.  The  soil  is  alluvial,  and  being 
softened  by  recent  rains,  the  wheels  of  our  stage  sunk  to  a  considerable  depth, 
and  having  a  full  load  of  passengers,  the  lumbering  vehicle  dragged  heavily. 
We  traveled  all  day,  and  arrived  at  Richmond  just  as  the  sun  set.  The  coun- 
try around  this  place  is  beautiful  ;  the  fine  farms  and  snug  buildings  give  to  it 


398 


APPENDIX. 


such  an  air  of  neatness  and  thrift  that  the  passer-by  would  suppose  lie  was 
traveling  through  an  old  settlement.  Two  nights  and  the  intervening  dayj 
passed  here,  were  pretty  fully  occupied.  After  taking  a  walk  around  the 
town,  we  visited  the  White  Water  River.  Here  is  an  interesting  tield  for  the 
geologist,  as  there  are  imbedded  in  the  rock,  at  a  distance  of  fifty  or  sixty 
feet  from  the  surface,  shells  and  other  petrifactions.  I  collected  a  number  of 
specimens,  and  could  have  spent  the  day  here,  in  search  of  these  fossils,  but 
our  time  being  limited,  we  had  to  make  the  most  of  it.  I  hired  a  horse  and 
vehicle,  and  went  about  two  and  a  half  miles  out  into  the  country,  to  visit 
Alice  Foulke  and  her  daughters.  While  in  the  city,  made  several  social  calls, 
and  after  a  few  hours'  sleep  at  the  hotel,  took  stage  at  two  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing, for  Cincinnati.  We  had  a  long,  fatiguing  day  of  staging,  but  we  were  not 
uncomfortably  crowded.  As  the  shades  of  evening  gathered,  and  dim  twilight 
was  becoming  shrouded  in  the  gloom  of  night,  the  lights  of  Cincinnati  eiiuie 
into  view,  and  soon  we  were  surrounded  w  ith  houses,  and  being  jolted  over  the 
rough  streets.  The  stage  took  as  to  the  Dennison  House,  where  we  secured 
lodgings.  After  supper  I  went  to  a  colored  meeting  for  worship,  where  1 
found  assembled  a  respectable-looking  company  of  well-dressed,  orderly  peo- 
ple. 'We  passed  three  nights  anil  two  days  in  this  city,  attending  to  business 
matters,  sight-seeing  and  making  arrangements  for  our  homeward  jgurney. 
One  afternoon,  under  the  guidance  of  Samuel  Tucker,  we  took  a  general  view 
of  the  city  and  suburbs,  looking  at  the  mills  and  the  public  buildings.  There 
is,  pervading  Cincinnati,  an  air  of  neatness  which  reminds  one  of  Philadel- 
phia. The  next  afternoon  we  went  to  Covington,  Ky.,  and  on  our  way,  meet- 
ing one  of  the  officers  of  the  Branch  Bank  of  the  Northern  Bank  of  Kentucky, 
he  took  us  into  the  building,  and  treated  us  with  much  politeness.  He  was 
formerly  an  Eastern  man.  We  could  soon  look  around  Covington,  for  although 
as  old  as  Cincinnati,  it  is  no  larger  in  proportion  than  Camden  is  to  Philadel- 
phia. Although  the  Ohio  town  and  the  Kentucky  town  possess  nearly  the  same 
natural  advantages,  yet  the  former  has  greatly  outstripped  the  latter  in  growth. 
This  difference  is  pointed  at,  by  travellers  and  people  generally,  as  being  due 
to  the  effects  of  slavery.  1  have  no  doubt  that  such  is  the  case,  for  we  see 
that,  wherever  it  touches  with  its  poisonous  fangs,  the  sting  leaves  a  blight. 

Being  about  to  turn  our  faces  homeward,  we  spent  some  time  in  endeavoring 
to  ascertain  which  route  would  be  most  desirable.  At  length  we  decided  to  go 
by  way  of  Dayton,  Columbus,  Steubenville  and  Pittsburg. 

Fourth-day,  Ninth  Month  Kith. — This  morning,  left  Cincinnati  for  Colum- 
bus. We  bad  a  comfortable  stage-load  of  pleasant  people.  But  it  usually 
lakes  some  time  for  passengers  to  get  acquainted  with  each  other,  and  the 


APPENDIX. 


399 


present  company  proved  no  exception.  As  the  sun  approached  the  meridian, 
and  we  Lebanon,  clouds  began  to  gather,  and  soon  a  refreshing  shower  laid  the 
dust,  and  made  traveling  quite  pleasant.  We  dined  at  Lebanon,  which  is  the 
county-Seat  of  Warren  County,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  rich  and  highly  culti- 
vated country. 

At  Dayton  we  took  supper,  and  then  began  to  stow  away  in  the  different 
coaches  for  the  night.  It  fell  to  our  lot  to  be  two  of  twelve  that  filled  the  in- 
side of  a  coach,  with  several  on  the  outside,  and  a  quantity  of  baggage.  We 
were  pretty  closely  packed,  but  this  is  what  travelers  must  expect,  and  they 
should  cheerfully  accept  just  such  accommodations  as  they  find.  During  the 
evening  I  passed  an  hour  in  a  quiet,  wholesome  conversation  with  one  pf  the 
passengers.  Our  subject  was  slavery,  and  it  was  broached  by  my  asking  him 
whether  there  were  many  slaves  in  their  neighborhood.  He  replied  in  the 
affirmative,  and,  smilingly  added,  that  you  do  not  like.  I  told  him  we  did 
not,  and  that  we  thought  slavery  was  wrong.  He  said  he  thought  so  too, 
that  it  was  both  a  political  and  a  religiqns  evil,  and  that  he  would  be  willing 
to  release  the  slaves,  if  they  could  be  remitted.  1  endeavored  to  show  the  im- 
policy and  the  impracticability  of  such  a  plan.  He  said  he  hoped  1  did  not 
encourage  the  course  of  the  Abolitionists.  1  told  him  1  thought  he  was  unac- 
quainted with  their  principles,  and  then  informed  him  that  their  purpose  was 
simply  to  call  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the  subject,  to  show  the  sinfulness 
of  slavery,  and  hence  the  duty  of  immediate  emancipation.  He  said  he  would 
have  no  objection  to  that,  for  it  would  be  right.  He  had  thought  that  we 
wanted  to  interfere  in  apolitical  way,  in  regard  to  the  Stale*.  He  seemed  quite 
thoughtful,  when,  in  a  spirit  of  entire  friendliness,  we  left  the  topic,  and  talked 
pleasantly  of  other  matters.  As  the  night  advanced,  we  managed  to  get  an 
occasional  doze,  by  leaning  two  heads  together  for  mutual  props.  It  was  about 
eight  o'clock  A.  M.  when  we  arrived  at  Columbus,  where  we  breakfasted,  and 
our  company  separated.  The  stage  for  Hebron  was  a  coach  intended  to  carry 
seven  passengers,  and  there  were  nine  of  us.  One  of  the  number  remarked  that 
he  thought  they  must  be  acquainted  with  the  African  slave  trade,  or  they 
would  not  think  of  thus  packing  human  beings.  We  had  only  twenty-seven 
miles  to  go  by  this  conveyance,  and  the  time  soon  passed 

At  Hebron  we  bargained  with  our  landlord  for  a  conveyance  and  driver  to 
take  us  to  Newark,  the  county-seat  of  Lycking  County.  Here  we  met  a  young 
man  who  had  buggies  for  sale,  and  as  we  were  looking  toward  purchasing  one, 
our  meeting  resulted  in  his  making  a  sale,  and  our  possessing  a  buggy.  ( )n  the 
following  morning  we  boarded  the  canal-packet  i-'wan,  for  New  Philadelphia. 
The  passage  occupied  about  twenty-four  hours,  and  nothing  of  especial  mo- 


400 


APPENDIX. 


nient  occurred  on  the  way.  The  captain  was  polite,  and  the  passengers  were 
sociable. 

On  arriving  at  New  Philadelphia,  we  went  to  a  hotel,  which  proved  to  be 
our  place  of  abode  tor  three  days.  This  prolonged  stay  was  owing  to  our  ina- 
bility to  accomplish  some  business.  We  had  the  experience  of  passing  a  First- 
day  at  a  tavern.  1  walked  to  a  retired  spot,  where  some  time  was  passed  in 
silent  meditation.  Second-day,  we  were  still  unable  to  accomplish  our  busi- 
ness, but  I  improved  the  time  by  trying  some  horses,  and  afterwards  purchased 
one,  of  whose  capabilities  I  shall  have  occasion  to  speak  hereafter.  ( >n  Third- 
day,  about  noon,  we  gladly  left  the  place  in  our  own  conveyance,  and  having 
traveled  twenty-six  miles,  came  to  a  good  tavern,  where  we  were  well  accom- 
modated for  the  night.  In  the  morning  we  drove  to  Cadiz,  from  which  town 
we  made  a  detour,  to  visit  our  relatives,  Isaac  Whelden  and  family,  who  live 
seventeen  miles  distant.  The  road  was  hilly,  but  we  reached  our  destination 
before  night,  and  met  with  a  cordial  reception.  After  an  agreeable  visit  of 
two  nights  and  a  day,  we  took  leave^of  these  relatives,  probably  not  to  see 
them  again  in  mutability. 

Returning  to  Cadiz,  we  pursued  our  journey,  and  stopped  over  night  at  the 
village  of  Bloomfield.  The  roads,  though  hilly,  were  not  bad.  In  this  section 
beds  of  bituminous  coal  abound,  and  we  saw  in  many  places  the  well  cultiva- 
ted field  under  which  its  owner  has  a  coal-hole,  or  shaft,  dug  horizontally  into 
the  hill.  This  region  of  soft  coal  embraces  a  large  area,  included  in  the  east- 
ern part  of  Ohio  and  the  western  part  of  Pennsylvania  and  of  Virginia.  At 
Steubenville,  we  crossed  the  Ohio  on  a  horse-boat,  and  steered  our  course  for 
Pittsburg,  stopping  over  night  at  a  farin-house-of-entei  tainment,  where  I  found 
the  advantage  of  being  accustomed  to  the  care  of  horses;  for  had  1  not  at- 
tended to  mine  she  would  have  fared  poorly.  Next  day  the  roads  were  slip- 
pery from  rain,  but  we  traveled  on,  and  arrived  at  Pittsburg  about  four  o'clock. 

We  saw  the  beginning  of  the  Ohio  River,  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  Al- 
legheny and  Monongahela.  On  the  strip  of  land  between  them  stands  the 
city  of  Pittsburg,  with  its  dense  columns  of  smoke,  issuing  from  numerous  chim- 
neys. This  smoke  obscures  the  view  of  the  hills  that  lie  beyond  the  city.  On 
the  south  side  of  the  Monongahela  is  Birmingham,  a  place  of  considerable 
manufacturing.  It  is  connected  with  Pittsburg  by  a  bridge  and  by  a  horse- 
boat.  We  chose  the  latter  for  crossing,  and  being  quickly  ferried  over,  drove 
to  the  Exchange  Hotel,  an  excellent  house,  at  which  we  found  all  that  we 
could  wish  in  the  way  of  travelers'  comforts.  Father,  not  feeling  well,  had 
decided  to  return  by  stage,  and  thus  get  home  sooner  than  he  could  by  our 
own  conveyance.    <  >n  .Second-day,  besides  making  several  business  and  social 


APPENDIX. 


401 


calls,  we  found  time  to  take  a  genera!  view  of  the  city,  also  to  cross  over  to 
Allegheny,  which  is  connected  with  Pittsburg  by  several  very  line  bridges, 
the  river  being  half  a  mile  wide.  Of  Pittsburg,  I  may  say  that  it  is  a  place 
of  much  manufacturing,  and  owing  to  the  almost  exclusive  use  of  bituminous 
coal  and  the  high  hills  surrounding  the  city,  it  appears  to  be  overhung  by  a 
cloud  of  smoke. 

Third-day,  Ninth  Month  29th.  This  morning  1  took  leave  of  father  and 
of  Pittsburg,  and  started  for  Philadelphia,  with  my  little  horse,  Nelly,  my 
buggy,  and  a  small  quantity  of  baggage.  The  stage  in  which  father  had  taken 
passage  was  to  start  at  noon.  The  weather  was  fine,  the  ride  a  pleasant  one, 
and  I  made  thirty-four  miles  during  the  day  ;  stopping  for  the  night  at  a  pub- 
lic house,  about  three  miles  east  of  Greensburg.  The  house  is  fairly  well  kept 
though  owing  to  my  request  to  have  a  room  to  myself,  I  was  put  into  one  whose 
furniture  consisted  of  a  bed,  a  chair  and  a  hen's  nest  in  the  tireplace.  The 
whiteness  of  the  eggs  rendered  them  quite  conspicuous.  After  leaving  this 
place,  I  was  soon  among  the  mountains,  and  during  the  day — which  was  the 
last  of  Ninth  Month  -  1  crossed  Chestnut  Kidge  and  Laurel  Hill,  slopping  for 
the  night  at  a  tavern  near  Stoy's  Town. 

Fifth-day,  first  of  Tenth  Month.-  Starling  early,  1  proceeded  to  the  foot  of 
the  Allegheny  Mountain,  and  there  stopped  for  breakfast.  This  mountain,  on 
its  western  side,  rises  so  gradually,  that  though  eight  miles  from  base  to  sum- 
mit, a  horse  can  trot  over  a  considerable  portion  of  the  distance,  and  the  land 
is  cultivated  to  the  top.  Before  night  I  arrived  at  Daffenbaugh's  tavern,  where 
the  accommodations  are  excellent. 

Sixth-day  morning  the  weather  was  line,  and  again  taking  an  early  start,  1 
drove  to  Bloody  Run  before  breakfast.  This  day  J  was  fairly  among  the 
mountains,  crossing  several  ranges;  the  most  prominent  being  Scrub  Ridge, 
and  Sideling  Hill.  The  beauty  and  grandeur  exhibited  among  these  won- 
drous works  of  nature  are  very  impressive;  we  see  the  beautiful  valley,  bloom- 
ing like  a  garden  with  cultivation,  a  silvery  stream  meandering  through  it, 
and  surrounded  by  m:issive  hills  that  look  as  if  they  would  mock  the  power 
of  man  to  scale  their  summits;  the  beauties  of  autumn  rested  on  the  dense 
forest,  and  the  shrill  note  of  the  jay-bird,  as  he  flitted  from  tree  to  tree,  called 
the  attention  of  the  traveler  from  the  silence  that  reigned  around.  Whilst 
among  these  mountain  wilds,  where  once  the  savage  war-whoop  of  the  Indian 
was  echoed  from  hill  to  hill,  and  listened  to  in  dread  silence  by  the  inhabitants 
of  the  valleys  below;  where  the  wild  beast  of  the  forest  roamed  undisturbed, 
where  the  nimble  deer  tripped  from  glen  to  glen,  and  ate  his  meal  quietly 
and  alone — my  mind  was  led  to  contemplate,  and  I  thought,  who  could  behold 


402 


APPENDIX. 


yon  mountain,  its  summit  bid  by  the  cloud*  of  heaven  that  descend  and  en- 
velop it  ;  and  the  nearer  hills,  locked  in  each  other's  embrace — I  say,  who 
could  behold  all  these  evidences  of  grandeur  and  of  power,  and  yet  doubt  the 
existence  of  an  Almighty  Creator  ? 

Pursuing  my  journey,  1  arrived,  sometime  before  night,  at  McConnelstown, 
situated  at  the  foot  of  Cone  Mountain.  In  the  morning  it  was  raining,  but 
before  long,  the  wind  came  rustling  down  the  mountain  side  with  fury,  and 
the  clouds  began  to  break  away.  The  views  from  this  "  Cone"  are  very  line. 
We  ascend  four  miles  without  any  intermission  ;  and  on  the  east  side  it  is 
about  the  same.  After  making  the  descent  I  had  a  pleasant  drive  to  Cham- 
bersburg.  This  i>  a  large  towh  and  a  place  of  considerable  business.  In  the 
afternoon  1  drove  to  Cat's  Town,  a  small  village,  and  stopped  at  Green's  tav- 
ern. It  being  Seventh-dav  evening,  1  made  inquiry  as  to  whether  there  was  :i 
Friends' Meeting,  that  1  could  attend  on  First-day.  On  ascertaining  that  there 
was  one,  at  Monallen,  about  nine  miles  distant,  and  not  much  out  of  my  way, 
1  obtained  the  needful  directions  for  finding  the  place.  There  was  present  at  the 
meeting,  William  Ellis,  a  minister,  who  is  traveling  on  a  religious  visit  to 
some  of  the  meetings  composing  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting.  His  companion 
is  Caleb  Ogbum.  After  meeting,  I  went  home  with  John  Wright,  and  stayed 
until  next  morning.  These  Friends  were  very  kind,  and  I  enjoyed  my  visit. 
On  Second-day  1  went  from  Monallen  to  Columbia,  passing  through  a  well 
cultivated  country  and  through  the  borough  of  York.  It  was  about  sundown 
when  I  reached  the  long  covered  bridge  over  the  Susquehanna— one  of  the 
longest  in  this  country— and  crossing  it,  found  myself  in  Columbia,  which  is 
quite  a  busy  place.  1  stopped  at  Evan  Green's,  passing  a  pleasant  evening 
with  the  family,  and  remaining  there  until  next  day. 

Third -day,  drove  to  Hird-in-Hand,  and  made  a  visit  with  Daniel  Gibbons 
and  family.  The  traveling  Friends  that  1  had  met  at  Monallen  also  came, 
and  they  continued  to  be  my  companions  for  the  remainder  of  the  journey. 
Next  morning  our  kind  host  and  hostess  gave  us  an  early  start,  so  that  we 
might  get  to  Sadsbury  Monthly  Meeting.  We  stopped  in  Lancaster  City, 
where  1  found  a  letter  from  father,  informing  of  his  safe  arrival  at  home. 
This  information  was  very  gratifying. 

At  the  Monthly  Meeting,  William  Flli*  had  some  service  to  perform.  We 
dined  with  a  Friend  named  Moore,  and  then  drove  to  James  Fulton's  at  Fal- 
lowfield,  where  we  passed  the  night  and  were  kindly  entertained.  On  Fifth- 
day  morning  we  started  for  Philadelphia,  and  after  passing  through  the  bor- 
ough of  West  Chester,  and  through  several  villages,  we  arrived  at  my  home 


APPENDIX. 


403 


about  dusk.  As  the  two  traveling  Friends  were  strangers  iii  the  city,  I  invited 
them  to  come  with  me  to  lather's,  and  they  accepted  the  invitation. 

And  now  that  1  have  returned  to  my  home,  and  to  my  friends  in  these  parts, 
my  heart  overflows  with  gratitude  to  the  Almighty  Power  that  has  blessed  me 
with  health,  and  extended  his  protecting  care  over  me  throughout  this  Long 
journey. 

Samuel  J.  Levick. 

Tenth  Month  22nd,  1*40. 

[Though  many  details  have  been  omitted  in  transcribing  the  account  of 
this  journey,  many  have  been  retained  because  of  the  old-time  interest  l hey 
may  have  lor  readers  who  are  accustomed  to  traveling  in  Pullman  cats,  and 
to  stopping  at  the  great  caravansaries,  which  have  taken  the  place  of  the  m»a 
of  fifty  years  ago.  The  friends  and  relatives  visited  have  been  named,  as  their 
posterity  may  be  gratified  to  learn  -  through  this  channel — of  the  cordial  wel- 
come extended,  and  the  generous  hospitality  dispensed  by  their  worthy  an- 
cestors to  appreciative  guests.  -Ed.] 


EXTRACTS 

FROM  THE  LAST  "ANNl'AL  REPORT"  SIGNED  BY  SAMUEL  J.   LEVICK,  SECRE- 
TARY OF  THE  SOCIETY   FOR  THE  PREVENTION  OF  CRUELTY  'lo 
ANIMALS. — 188"). 

"At  no  period  since  the  incorporation  of  the  Society,  hits  there  been  so  uni- 
versal an  acknowledgment  on  the  part  of  our  citizens,  of  its  importance  and 
usefulness,  or  greater  care  manifested  in  observing  a  proper  treatment  of  ani- 
mals. Nevertheless,  the  number  of  complaints  received  at  our  office,  the  act- 
ive work  performed  by  our  agents,  and  the  number  of  arrests  and  convictions, 
amply  illustrate  the  necessity  for  its  maintenance  and  an  increase  of  its  re- 
sources, to  enable  it  to  enlarge  its  sphere  of  usefulness. 

"Owing  to  our  limited  means,  our  work  has  been  conlined  principally  to 
the  city  and  the  adjacent  country,  although  we  have  agents  in  several  of  the 
large  towns  within  a  radius  of  fifty  to  seventy  miles  of  the  city,  whose  services 
have  resulted  in  the  arrest  and  conviction  of  offenders  in  a  number  of  cases, 
some  of  which  have  been  of  a  most  flagrant  character. 

"Since  our  last  report  we  have  received  live  hundred  and  seventy-one  com- 
plaints, representing  six  hundred  and  nine  cases  of  cruelty.    ...    In  ad- 


404 


APPENDIX. 


dition  to  the  foregoing  cases,  all  of  which  were  carefully  investigated  by  our 
agents,  twelve  hundred  horses  and  mules  were  turned  out  of  harness  as  unlit 
for  work  ;  pads  were  ordered  in  twelve  hundred  and  thirty-eight  instances, 
where  the  harness  rubbed  sore  parts;  three  thousand  and  six  warnings  were 
issued  to  thoughtless  and  careless  abusers  of  animals,  and  two  hundred  and 
twenty -six  suffering  animals  were  killed  in  a  humane  manner. 

"  We  have  been  persistently  engaged  in  efforts  to  prevent  the  cruel 
sport  of  dog  and  cock-lighting;  the  secrecy  that  surrounds  these  sports  and  the 
unwillingness  of  those  connected  therewith  to  furnish  the  Society  with  the  time 
and  place  of  their  occurrence,  make  it  very  difficult  for  us  to  arrest  and  bring 
to  justice  this  class  of  offenders.  Particularly  does  this  apply  to  dog-fight- 
ing, the  remote  places  chosen  and  the  short  time  occupied,  almost  prevent 
the  apprehension  of  those  engaged  therein.  We  occasionally  see  notices  of 
their  having  occurred,  but  no  clue  is  given  whereby  the  violators  of  the  law 
may  be  arraigned. 

"  With  the  equally  cruel  sport  of  cock-fighting  we  have  been  more  success- 
ful, although  we  are  constantly  on  the  lookout  for  others  that  we  have  not 
been  able  to  locate.    .    .  . 

"On  ,  one  of  our  agents  ascertained  that  a  number  of  imported 

chickens  (which  bad  recently  arrived  from  Europe)  would  be  fought  in  this 
city.    Acting  on  this  information,  he  madea  thorough  investigation  and  found 

that  a  large  cocking-main  would  take  place  at  .    .    .    .    On  the  night 

of  ,  our  agents  assisted  by  a  squad  of  police,    .    .    .  successfully 

raided  the  place  and  captured  ninety-five  persons,  engaged  therein;  also  twen- 
ty-three game  fowls,  gaffs,  st  ales,  shears,  and  all  the  paraphernalia  connected 
therewith.  At  first  they  met  with  a  stout  resistance,  but  the  wrong-doers  were 
overpowered  and  conducted  to  the  station-house,  where  a  hearing  was  given 
them  at  two  a.  m.  .  .  .  Eighty-two  immediately  paid  their  fines,  and  the 
rest  were  committed  to  prison  in  default.  The  twenty-three  cocks  were  con- 
fiscated and  turned  over  to  the  Society,  according  to  the  '  Act  of  Assembly,' 

.  .  .  and  mercifully  killed,  so  as  to  prevent  any  possibility  of  their  again 
being  used. 

"Also  on  the  evening  of  ,  our  agents,  assisted  by  a  squad  of  po- 
lice .  .  .  raided  a '  free  and  easy  saloon,'  .  .  .  where  they  arrested 
twenty -six  men  engaged  in  cock-fighting;  they  also  captured  all  the  birds, 
gaffs,  etc.  Among  the  incidents  of  this  raid  was  the  finding  of  one  man  hid- 
den in  a  trunk,  with  the  lid  securely  fastened,  who  was  almost  suffocated  when 
released  ;  and  another,  wedged  in  under  a  partition  so  tight  that  he  was  ex- 
tricated with  great  difficulty.  The  Magistrate  .  .  .  after  a  hearing,  fined 
all  assembled,  and  two  were  committed  to  prison  in  default  


APPENDIX. 


405 


"  The  fear  of  being  arrested  and  exposed,  doubtless  deters  many,  especially 
among  the  young,  from  entering  places  where  those  unlawful  exhibitions  are 
given — it  may  be  clearly  perceived  that  the  influence  of  the  Society,  in  this 
particular,  is  producing  good  results. 

"  We  continue  to  notice  a  great  improvement  in  the  treatment  of  horses 
employed  in  the  various  departments  of  business  and  pleasure,  in  which  this 
noble  animal  proves  such  an  important  factor.  The  whip  is  still  found  in  the 
hands  of  thoughtless,  passionate  and  cruel  men  and  boys — an  increase  of  the 
latter  class  of  drivers  being  noticeable  during  the  past  year,  especially  on  carts. 
<  )f  their  thoughtlessness,  and  their  cruel  use  of  the  whip,  our  agents  greatly 
complain  ;  and  horse-owners  should  consider  that  the  loss  which  they  sustain, 
and  the  injuries  which  the  animals  receive  from  this  class  of  drivers  far  exceed 
the  pecuniary  gain  supposed  to  be  realized  by  the  employment  of  boys  in  this 
capacity. 

"Reliable  information  enables  us  to  assert  that  the  cruel  and  shameful  prac- 
tice of 'docking'  and  'nicking' — that  is,  cutting  offa  portion  of  the  tail  of  the 
horse —  ....  has  been  again  introduced  into  our  city.  How  an  en- 
lightened community  can  tolerate  such  barbarity,  or  accept  such  a  'fashion'  is 
beyond  our  comprehension.  .  .  .  This  Society — through  its  Board  of  Mana- 
gers— embraces  the  present  occasion  to  express  their  unqualified  condemna- 
tion of  this  practice,  and  as  this  brutality  is  perpetrated  in  the  seclusion  of 
stables,  hidden  from  the  public  eye,  it  offers  a  liberal  reward  to  any  person 
who  can  furnish  such  reliable  information  as  will  enable  it  to  arrest  and  con- 
vict any  one  violating  this  law  of  the  State  It  is  the  purpose  of 

the  Society  to  use  all  legal  measures  to  bring  offenders  of  this  class  to. justice, 
and  thus  stamp  out,  in  its  incipiency.  a  cruel  and  disgraceful  custom,  and  it 
solicits,  therefore,  the  aid  of  all  our  citizens  to  assist  therein.  Not  only  is  this 
practice  cruel,  but  lastingly  injurious  to  the  horse,  as  has  been  demonstrated 
by  the  highest  veterinary  authority. 

"  We  still  continue  our  attention  to  the  yard>  where  cattle,  sheep  and  swine 
are  received,  unloaded  and  reloaded  ;  most  of  which  are  transported  long  dis- 
tances in  the  cars.  While  we  notice  improvement  in  the  general  care  mani- 
fested, yet  much  suffering  continues— an  improved  form  of  cars,  the  adoption 
of  which  we  have  been  looking  forward  to  for  a  long  time,  whereby  food  and 
water  may  be  dispensed  in  transit,  lias  not  as  yet  been  introduced,  or  in  but 
few  instances.  Scarcely  a  week  passes  but  our  agents  report  loss  of  life,  dis- 
abled, crushed  and  smothered  cattle,  sheep  and  swine,  as  a  result  of  defective 
stock-cars  

"  The  requirement  that  the  law  of  kindness  should  be  observed  in  our  inter- 


40G 


APPENDIX. 


course,  not  only  with  eacli  other,  but  in  our  treatment  of  all  creatures,  espe- 
cially those  which  surrender  their  lives  for  our  pleasure  and  maintenance, 
would  seem  to  be  apparent  to  every  thoughtful  mind  ;  yet  the  facts  which  are 
daily  presented  on  our  highways,  of  wanton  abuse,  demonstrate  that  the  edu- 
cation of  many  has  been  greatly  neglected  on  this  very  important  subject.  .  . 
"  By  order  of  the  Board  of  Managers, 

Samuel  J.  Levick,  Secretory." 


REMOVAL  OF  THE  PENN  COTTAGE. 
In  1883,  this  old  land-mark,  which  had  stood  about  two  hundred  years,  was 
removed  from  Letitia  Court  to  Fairmount  Park.  There  was  a  large  gathering 
assembled  to  celebrate  the  removal,  and  among  the  addresses  delivered  on  the 
occasion,  were  those  by  the  brothers,  Samuel  J.  and  Dr.  James  J.  Levick.  As 
it  happened,  it  was  the  first  time  that  both  had  ever  spoken  in  public  at  the 
same  meeting.  Their  grandfather,  Isaac  Jones,  was  a  member  of  the  Welsh 
Society,  whose  meetings  were  held  in  this  building,  and  their  father,  Ebenezer 
Levick,  took  much  interest  in  it.  On  thu  occasion,  Samuel's  son,  Lewis  Jones 
Levick,  and  his  son,  Henry  Lewis  Levick,  were  present,  thus  making  five  gene- 
rations of  Samuel  J.  Levick's  family  that  had  been  associated  with  "The  Penn 
<  ottage." 

[Sunday  Dispatch,  May  27th,  1883.] 
THE  PENN  COTTAGE  IN  THE  WEST  PAKE. 
"The  removal  of  the  house  of  William  Penn  from  Letitia  Court  to  the  Park, 
which  has  now  been  accomplished,  will  add  a  feature  of  historical  interest  to 
the  public  enclosure  which  cannot  fail  to  be  a  matter  of  importance  to  the 
people,  at  all  times  hereafter.  This  is  the  oldest  house  in  Philadelphia.  What 
is  yet  more  notable  is,  that  it  was  the  first  brick  house  built  in  the  city.  In- 
deed, Gabriel  Thomas,  who  wrote  in  1608,  and  who  came  over  with  Penn  in 
the  Welcome,  says  that  the  cellar  for  the  use  of  this  house  was  the  first  dug  in 
Philadelphia.  Some  tradition  is  claimed  to  establish  the  fact  that  the  first 
house  built  was  by  Andrew  Griscom.  Rut  there  is  no  direct  proof  on  the  sub- 
ject. The  house  was  not  finished  when  Penn  arrived.  He  lived  in  Fairman's 
house,  at  Shackamaxon,  for  some  time,  and  was  there  during  the  winter  of 
lti8'2-'83.  He  probably  did  not  get  into  his  own  house  until  the  spring  of  the 
latter  year,  four  or  five  months  after  he  came  to  Pennsylvania.  The  Proprietor 


APPENDIX. 


407 


lived  in  tiiat  house  some  sixteen  months.  When  he  sailed  for  England  on  the 
Kith  of  August,  lf!84,  lie  gave  to  his  cousin  and  secretary,  William  Markham, 
the  right  to  live  in  that  house.  Markham  was  also  Deputy  Governor.  The 
building  was  used  for  public  purposes,  and  one  matter  of  great  interest  in  rela- 
tion to  its  history,  which  has  scarcely  been  alluded  to  in  connection  with  (he 
removal,  is,  that  it  was  the  first  State  House  of  the  province  of  Pennsylvania, 
ante-dating  the  State  House  in  Chestnut  Street  fifty  years.  There  is  no  city 
in  the  United  States  which  can  show  a  relic  more  interesting.  The  gentlemen 
who  have  contributed  the  money  toward  its  removal  have  been  actuated  by  no 
consideration  other  than  public  spirit  and  the  cultivation  of  a  proper  regard 
for  the  memories  of  the  past.  The  assistance  of  able  architectural  knowledge 
has  been  obtained.  When  completed,  the  Penn  cottage,  in  Fairmount  Park, 
will  look  much  more  like  it  did  in  its  early  period  than  it  has  in  its  present 
situation  for  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  years.  The  place  where  it  will 
be  situated  is  near  the  Girard  Avenue  bridge,  on  the  Lansdowne  drive.  It  is  a 
matter  of  regret  that  it  cannot  be  said  that  it  would  be  near  Lansdowne.  The 
latter  building  was  totally  destroyed  by  the  Park  Commissioners  when  they 
first  took  possession  of  the  ground.  The  interior  had  been  burned  out,  it  is 
true,  but  the  walls  were  standing  in  good  condition,  and  the  mansion  could  have 
been  rebuilt.  If  that  had  been  done,  this  prospective  removal  would  have 
given  three  Penn  memorials  to  the  Park  :  The  c<  ttage  of  William  Penn,  the 
Proprietor,  built  lti.H2-'H3;  Lansdowne  (1774-'75),  the  seat  of  Governor  .John 
Penn,  son  of  Richard:  and  Solitude  (1785),  "the  box" — so  he  called  it —of 
John  Penn,  son  of  Thomas,  the  poet  and  scholar.'' 

[From  the  Philadelphia  Inquirer,  June  24th,  1*04.1 
"  In  1883,  the  historic  old  Penn  Cottage,  which  for  generations  had  stood  in 
Letitia  Court,  was  remove  !  to  Fairmount  Park,  and  erected  in  a  prominent 
situation  about  100  yards  from  the  Zoological  Gardens,  upon  a  high  bluff 
near  the  Lansdowne  drive.  It  is  unfortunate  that  this  louse  was  ever 
removed  from  its  original  situation,  as  it  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  most  inter- 
esting buildings  in  Philadelphia,  having  been  at  one  time  the  residence  of  the 
founder  of  the  city,  but  at  the  same  time  it  is  fortunate  that  it  was  preserved 
at  all,  as  when  the  properly  was  sold  it  was  fully  expected  thai  this  ancient 
historic  relic  would  be  demolished  to  make  room  for  storage  warehouses. 

"  It  was  only  through  the  intervention  of  Henry  T.  Coates,  the  well-known 
publisher,  that  the  house  was  saved.  Mr.  Coates  fortunately  realized  that  its 
destruction  would  be  a  great  loss  to  Philadelphia,  and  through  his  energetic 
solicitations  it  was  consequently  preserved  intact,  and  removed  lo  its  present 
situation,  at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000. 


408 


APPENDIX. 


OF  HISTORIC  INTEREST. 

"  It  has  been  asserted  by  some  historians  that  Penn's  Cottage  was  the  tir>t 
house  erected  in  the  city.  It  must  have  been  commenced  before  Penn's  arrival 
some  time  during  the  year  1681. 

"  In  regard  to  the  material  used  in  the  construction  of  the  cottage,  Watson 
says  that  some  of  the  finer  fittings  of  the  interior  were  imported  in  the  first 
vessel,  but  the  bricks  which  compose  its  walls  were  likely  made  in  this  city. 
The  House  erected  for  the  Governor  was  plain  in  appearance,  and  small.  It 
was  two  and  one-half  stories  in  height,  with  garret  room  and  small  back  build- 
ing. The  doorway  was  in  the  centre,  with  a  bracketed  porch-roof  above  it. 
There  were  rooms  on  each  side. 

"At  what  time  this  house  was  finished  is  not  known.  It  must  have  been, 
however,  after  the  Proprietor's  arrival,  October  24,  1(582,  and  it  is  likely  Penn 
did  not  occupy  the  house  until  1683.  Penn's  entire  family  were  at  that  time 
in  Kngland,  and  he  kept  something  like  "  bachelor's  hall." 

"When  he  returned  to  the  old  country,  he  commissioned  the  Provincial 
Council  to  act  in  his  stead,  and  made  Markhani  secretary,  assigning  him  the 
use  of  his  mansion  during  his  absence.  This  little  house  was,  therefore,  for 
some  time  the  State  House  of  the  Province.  It  was  the  place  where  the 
officers  of  the  Government  met  and  where  the  Provincial  Council  deliberated. 

"  When  Penn  came  to  Pennsylvania  the  second  time  he  brought  his  wife  and 
daughter,  Letitia,  and  whilst  in  the  city  transferred  the  cottage  in  Letitia 
Court  to  his  daughter  on  the  29th  of  March,  1701.  Letitia  resided  in  the 
house  but  a  very  short  time,  as  she  conceived  no  fondness  for  America,  and 
returned  to  England  at  the  very  earliest  possible  opportunity. 

"After  her  death  the  property  in  Letitia  Court  passed  through  a  various  line 
of  ownership.  Finally,  about  1800,  the  old  house  fell  into  neglect,  and  its 
historic  character  became  lost  altogether.  Even  its  exact  location  was  for  a 
time  in  doubt,  and  just  previous  to  its  rejuvenation  and  removal  to  Fairmount 
Park  it  was  usetl  as  a  low  groggery." 


SAMUEL  J.  LEVICK, 

IX  1I1S  HUMANE,  PHILANTHROPIC  AND  PATRIOTIC  WORK. 

"  For  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  works,  hut  to  the  evil."  That  the  law- 
should  be  a  terror  to  the  evil-doer,  and  that  those  who  administer  it  should 


Al'l'ENDlX. 


409 


be  faithful  to  their  trust,  were  two  co-ordinate  sentiments  in  which  Samuel  .). 
Levick  fully  believed,  and  which  he  endeavored  to  act  out  in  the  discharge  of 
his  duty,  both  officially  and  voluntarily. 

He  was  alert  in  the  discovery  of  wrong-doing,  persistent  in  his  investigation 
of  it,  and  fearless  in  bringing  the  offender  to  justice.  It  was,  however,  against 
the  practice,  not  the  person,  that  his  strong  character  and  his  executive  ability 
were  arrayed ;  against  the  crime,  not  the  criminal ;  for  he  would  not  have  any 
one  punished  from  vindictive  motives,  but  in  order  to  reform  the  wrong-doer, 
to  prevent  a  recurrence  of  the  offense,  and  to  secure  the  welfare  of  society.  To 
protect  t lie  weak  against  the  oppression  of  the  strong,  to  preserve  the  unsus- 
picious from  the  power  of  the  deceiver,  and  to  insure  the  safety  of  life  and 
property  in  the  midst  of  a  lawless  element  that  is  kept  in  check  only  by  fear 
of  the  magistrate  and  of  t he  power  that  he  wields,  was,  in  the  opinion  of  this 
indefatigable  worker,  the  function  of  the  civil  law  and  the  duty  of  those  ap- 
pointed to  execute  it. 

It  was  on  this  account  that  he  was  so  desirous  to  have  suitable  persons  chosen 
for  official  positions,  and  then,  when  the  responsibility  was  placed  upon  them, 
to  give  them  the  support  that  their  merits  claimed  and  their  station  required; 
for  he  believed  that  such  support,  freely,  reasonably  and  wisely  rendered,  will 
insure  "  a  government  of  the  people,  by  the  people  and  for  the  people."* 

A  RECORDED  MINISTER. 
Samuel  J.  Levick  became  a  minister  by  record  in  the  year  1K42,  before  he 
was  twenty-three  years  old.  His  gift  in  the  ministry  was  acknowledged  by 
Richland  Monthly  Meeting,  held  Fourth  Month  29th,  and  the  acknowledg- 
ment confirmed  by  Abington  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  held 
Fifth  Month  4th. 

At  the  Monthly  Meeting,  held  Eleventh  Month  4th  of  the  same  year,  1842, 
he  obtained  his  first  minute  for  religious  service  from  home.  It  was  "  to 
attend  the  meetings  composing  Southern  Quarterly  Meeting,  and  have  sonic 
meetings  out  from  among  Friends  in  that  part  of  the  country." 

His  last  minute  from  Richland  Monthly  Meeting  bears  date  of  Seventh 
Month  31st,  1X74,  when  Samuel  J.  Levick  and  his  wife,  Susanna  M.  Levick, 
were  set  at  liberty  to  "visit  and  appoint  some  meetings  within  the  limits  of 
Xew  York  Yearly  Meeting,  and  also  to  appoint  meetings  within  the  limits  of 
New  England  States."    This  minute  was  returned  Second  Month  4th,  1 87H. 

*  Notwithstanding  the  interest  which  lie  felt,  in  the  selection  of  good  rulers, 
lie  was  very  tender  toward  those  Friends  who  did  not  feel  at  liberty  to  exercise 
I  he  right  of  suffrage,  advising  them  to  attend  strictly  to  tlieir  scruples,  and  thus 
preserve  a  conscience  void  of  offense. 

26 


410 


APPENDIX. 


From  Haddontield  Monthly  Meeting  lie  obtained  one  minute.  It  was 
granted  Fifth  Month  22nd,  1849,  and  returned  Seventh  Month  10th,  1849. 
Allusion  to  this  journey  (within  the  limits  of  Farmington  Quarter,  etc.)  is 
found  in  t  he  "  Correspondence." 

His  most  extensive  journey  with  a  minute  was  performed  in  186(5,  when  he 
attended  and  appointed jmany  meetings  in  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Illinois.  While 
out  on  this  visit  he  attended  several  meetings  (some  of  them  appointed  at  his 
request)  among  the  Friends  of  the  other  branch ;  he  also  appointed  several  in 
the  worship-houses  of  other  denominations. 

The  only  religious  visits  of  which  he  kept  a  continuous  account  were  the 
early  ones  to  Southern  and  to  Salem  Quarter.  His  only  reference  to  the  later 
ones  is  in  the  "  Correspondence."  He  attended  all  t  he  Yearly  Meetings  except 
Illinois,  of  the  branch  of  Friends  to  which  he  belonged,  and  the  one  in  New 
York  several  times. 

The  last  three  minutes  granted  him  by  Race  Street  Monthly  Meeting  were 
as  follows  : 

Seventh  Month  20th,' 1881,  for  himself  and  wife  "to  attend  VVestbury  and 
Purchase  Quarterly  Meetings,  and  to  visit  and  appoint  a  few  meetings  within 
the  limits  of  New  York  Yearly  Meeting." 

Fifth  Month  24th,  1882,  for  himself,  accompanied  by  his  wife,  "  to  attend 
the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Friends  of  New  York." 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  his  last  minute,  which  was  dated  Fifth  Month 
21st,  1884: 

"Our  friend,  Samuel  J.  Levick,  a  minister  in  unity  with  us,  informed  the 
meeting  of  a  prospect  he  had  of  attending  the  approaching  Yearly  Meeting  of 
Friends  to  be  held  in  New  York,  accompanied  by  his  wife,  Susanna  M.  Lev- 
ick, an  elder  of  this  meeting,  and  also  of  appointing  some  meetings  within  the 
limits  of  that  meeting,  as  way  may  open.  Unity  was  expressed  with  him  in 
his  concern,  and  he  is  encouraged  to  pursue  his  prospect  as  Truth  may  direct." 

I  From  the  Richmond  (Ind.)  Palladium.] 
"  Samuel  J.  Levick  said  :  'We  are  given  but  one  day  at  a  time,  and  if  we 
can  say  when  we  retire  that  we  have  not  knowingly  done  any  man  injustice, 
and  have  made  the  best  use  of  the  time,  we  shall  be  happy,  and  the  world  will 
be  the  better  for  our  having  been  in  it.  Such  is  not  beyond  the  reach  of  any 
one,  old  or  young,  and  those  who  strive  after  it  will  attain  it.  Go  about  your 
own  business  without  meddling  with  the  affairs  of  others;  do  not  make  it 
necessary  for  the  Master  to  rebuke  you  as  he  did  Martha,  for  busying  herself 
too  much.    "A  little  learning  is  a  dangerous  thing,"  and  worketh  great  mis- 


APPENDIX. 


411 


chief.  It  was  a  little  learning  on  the  part  of  the  scribes  and  priests  that  cru- 
cified Jesus;  it  was  a  little  learning  that  set  our  forefathers  to  discussing 
theology  and  made  it  necessary  that  we  should  sit  here  and  our  brethren  a 
few  squares  away  to  transact  the  business  that  had  been  done  by  one  meeting.  It 
is  a  little  learning  that  makes  infidels  discover  errors  in  the  Bible,  where  none 
exist.  It  is  a  litle  learning  that  prompts  us  to  dictate  to  our  brothers,  and  it 
is  a  little  learning  that  keeps  us  from  Christ.  The  fear  of  God  in  the  soul  is  the 
only  true  wisdom,  and  it  is  thai  we  must  seek.'  " 

[From  the  same.] 
MEETING  FOR  RUSINESS  MEN. 
"Samuel  .1.  Levick  conducted  a  large  meeting  for  business  and  young  men  at 
(lie  Kightli  Street  Meeting  House  that  evening,  which  was  productive  of  much 
good.  He  took  for  his  text  that  passage  from  the  New  Testament  where  the 
meeting  between  Jesus  and  the  woman  at  the  Well  is  described.  His  sermon 
did  not  deal  with  abstruse  or  doctrinal  questions,  but  was  a  plain,  earnest  ex- 
hortation to  accept  t lie  waters  of  life,  and  know  the  blessing  of  a  walk  free 
from  sin.  Had  space  permitted,  the  Palladium  would  have  given  it  verbatim, 
but  there  is  a  limit  to  the  capacity  of  even  a  newspaper,  and  it  was  impossible 
to  give  it  the  space  we  desired." 

[From  a  local  paper.  I 
"Samuel  J.  Levick  addressed  a  large  assemblage  on  Sunday  of  last  week,  in 
this  ancient  house  [Merion  Friends'  Meeting  House].  He  reminded  his  young 
friends  that  their  religious  creed  should  have  a  great  influence  upon  the  social 
economy  of  the  people,  regulating  not  only  their  course  of  action,  but  their 
mode  of  thinking  that  the  greatest  enemy  of  true  religion  is  pride,  and  that  if 
not  stoutly  combated  it  usurps  the  moral  nature  and  sentiments  of  man.  He 
laid  down  the  principles  he  professed,  and  combated  in  good  plain  English  the 
follies  and  wickedness  of  the  church,  all  having  their  origin  in  pride,  splendid 
church  edifices,  fashionable  dress,  ostentatious  show,  high  living  and  the  ex- 
citements of  worldly  amusements,  all  as  nourishing  a  family  of  evils  which 
finally  overwhelm  the  true  fountain  of  revealed  knowledge." 

A  MEETINO. 

Once,  when  out  on  a  religious  visit,  Samuel  and  Susanna  Levick  attended 
the  small  meeting  of  Friends  al  Orange,  N.  J.,  on  a  First-day  morning.  After 
meeting  they  went,  with  Giles  H.  and  Marianna  W.  Coggeshall,  to  their  pleas- 
ant home  in  the  village  of  Bloomfield,  and  during  the  afternoon,  Samuel  men- 


412 


APPENDIX. 


tinned  to  one  of  the  family,  that  he  ftlt  drawn  toward  the  congregation  of  a 
Presbyterian  place  of  worship  near  by.  The  matter  seemed  to  drop,  as  no 
particular  time  was  specified,  but  Morton  C.  C'oggeshall,  son  of  Giles  and 
Marianna,  quietly  left  the  company,  and  called  upon  the  minister  of  this  con- 
gregation, returning,  at  tea-time,  with  a  message  from  "  Dr.  Kennedy"  to 
Samuel  J.  Levick.  This  message  was  a  kind  greeting,  accompanied  with  the 
information  that  th<tt  evening  would  be  a  suitable  time  for  the  "Friend"  to 
have  a  meeting  with  them,  if  he  felt  free  to  come,  and  they  would  suspend 
their  service  to  make  way  for  him.  He  went.  "  Dr.  Kennedy,"  in  introducing 
him,  informed  the  congregation  that  it  was  the  practice  of  the  Friends  to  begin 
their  worship  with  silence.  The  information  being  heeded,  and  the  practice 
respected,  there  followed  a  time  of  I'ery  solemn  silence,  after  which  Samuel  was 
highly  favored  in  testimony,  and  his  Presbyterian  brother  offered  a  fervent 
prayer.  The  opportunity  was,  to  Samuel,  a  relieving  and  very  satisfactory 
one,  and  at  its  close  the  minister  and  many  of  the  members  expressed  their  sat- 
isfaction, accompanied  by  an  Invitation  to  visit  them  again,  if  ever  he  came 
that  way. 

MEEION   MEETING  HOUSE. 

The  meeting  at  Merion  was  undoubtedly  held  soon  after  the  settlement  of 
t lie  Welsh  Friends,  in  16K2,  the  year  of  William  Penn's  first  arrival.  The 
pioneers  of  these  colonists  were  the  company  who  came  in  the  ship  Lion,  and 
reached  the  Schuylkill  on  the  thirteenth  of  Sixth  Month  (August,  O.  S.),  1682. 
They  numbered  about  forty  persons,  and  represented  seventeen  families,  Ed- 
ward Jones  being,  perhaps,  the  most  prominent  person  among  them. 

At  the  house  of  Hugh  Roberts,  which  must  have  been  near  the  present  Mer- 
ion Meeting  House,  as  his  land  adjoined  that  on  which  it  stands,  the  earliest 
meeting  at  Merion  of  which  a  record  is  preserved  was  held  on  the  second 
Fifth-day  in  Fourth  Month,  lr!K4.  This  was  the  Monthly  Meeting,  and  we 
may  feel  confident  that  meetings  for  worship  had  previously  been  held  at  the 
same  place. 

There  is  a  well-preserved  tradition,  and,  on  the  whole,  strong  evidence,  that 
part  of  the  present  meeting-house  was  built  in  16^5,  and  that  it  was  enlarged 
later,  probably  in  1713.  Minutes  of  the  Preparative  and  Monthly  Meetings 
indicate  this.  But  there  is  also  a  preserved  record  of  a  marriage  at  "  Friends' 
public  meeting-place  at  Merion"  as  early  as  1693,  so  that  an  earlier  structure, 
probably  of  logs,  may  have  preceded  the  present  house. 

Presuming  the  correctness  of  the  date  lfi!)5,  as  that  of  at  least  a  part  of  the 
house,  it  is  the  oldest  building  for  Divine  worship  in  Pennsylvania.    It  is  of 


APPENDIX. 


413 


stone,  and  in  a  good  state  of  preservation.  The  interior  appearance  strongly 
suggests  that  the  northern  part  (containing the  ''gallery"  for  ministers  and 
elders,  and  some  of  the  benches  for  other  Friends),  is  the  original  structure  of 
1695,  and  that  the  southern  part  is  the  addition,  made  probably  in  17L!. 

In  lGit"),  half  an  acre  of  ground  was  conveyed  by  Edward  Reese  to  the  trus- 
tees of  Merion  Preparative  Meeting  for  graveyard  purposes.  He  was  one  of 
those  who  came  in  the  Lion,  and  an  acceptable  minister.  Later,  other  pieces 
of  land,  and  funds  for  the  maintenance  of  the  property,  were  given  by  different 
Friends.  The  venerable  house,  with  its  surroundings,  forms  one  of  the  most 
interesting  places  to  Friends  to  lie  found  on  the  western  side  of  the  Atlantic. 

If.  M.  J. 

WELSH  ANCESTRY* 

"This  love  of  ancestral  history,  which,  more  or  less,  exists  in  every  breast, 
was,  by  tin;  Welsh  people,  in  every  way  fostered.  Family  records  were  care- 
fully preserved,  and  noble  birth  and  generous  descent  esteemed  above  all 
things.  .  .  .  Indeed,  so  fully  recognized  is  this  trait  of  the  Welsh 
character,  that  the  expression,  '  As  long  as  a  Welsh  pedigree,'  has  passed  into 
a  proverb. 

"  It  might  well  be  supposed  that  the  early  Quakers,  who  had  renounced  the 
pomps  and  vanities  of  the  world,  would  regard  with  indifference  and  aversion 
these  '  vain  genealogies,'  which  were  so  eminently  fitted  to  gratify  the  pride 
of  the  creature.  Such,  however,  does  not  seem  to  have  been  the  case  in 
Wales,  and  the  early  pedigrees  of  the  Lloyds  [et  a/.]  .  .  .  were  as 
carefully  preserved  by  their  peaceful  Quaker  descendants  as  they  had  been  by 
their  warlike  ancestors.  Even  in  the  early  printed  memorials  of  Philadelphia 
Yearly  Meeting,  in  several  of  them  it  is  stated,  apparently  with  much  satis- 
faction, that  the  subject  of  the  memorial  'belonged  to  an  antient  family.' 

"  John  ap  Thomas  .  .  .  was  an  earnest,  consistent,  self-sacrificing 
Friend,  but  be  clung  to  his  ancestral  history  with  all  the  tenacity  and  pride 
of  a  genuine  Welshman.  [Then  follows  the]  '  Pedigree  of  John  ap  Thomas 
ap  Hugh,  of  Merionethshire,  North  Wales.'" 

Brief  extracts  from  a  paper  prepared  by  Dr.  James  J.  Levick,  for  the  Penn- 
sylvania Magazine  <>(  History  and  'Biography.  It  is  entitled  "An  Old  Welsh  Pedi- 
gree." It  was  afterwards  printed  separately,  and  a  copy  of  this  pamphlet  has 
at  the  top  of  its  title-page  the  following  inscription,  probably  written  by  Dr. 
Levick  himself,  "Samuel  Jones  Levick.  Presented  by  the  author,  his  brother, 
James  Jones  Levick,  Tenth  Month  11th,  188V 


414 


APPENDIX. 


OBITUARY  TRIBUTES. 
"  Pennsylvania  Society  eor  the  Prevention  op  Cruelty  to  Animals." 
[Copy  of  Minutes.] 

"A  special  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  called  by  Vice  President  M. 
Richards  Muckle,  to  express  the  feelings  incident  to  the  sudden  demise  of  the 
late  Secretary,  Samuel  J.  Levick,  was  held  April  21,  1885,  at  ■">  o'clock  P.  M. 
M.  Richards  Muckle  in  the  chair,  in  the  absence  of  the  president. 

"Present,  M.  Richards  Muckle,  Coleman  Sellers,  Levi  Knowles,  T.  Morris 
Perot,  Edmund  Webster,  Edward  C.  Knight,  J.  Lewis  Crew,  William  Wat- 
son, Robert  R.  Corson,  Craig  D.  Ritchie,  Aaron  H.  Kins,  Mrs.  Coleman 
Sellers  and  .Solicitor  Wendell  P.  Bowman. 

"On  motion,  Aaron  B.  lvins  acted  as  Secretary. 

"On  motion,  a  Committee  of  three,  consisting  of  Coleman  Sellers,  Craig  D. 
Ritchie  and  Robert  R.  Corson,  to  which  Vice  President  M.  Richards  Muckle 
was  added,  was  appointed  to  prepare  resolutions  adapted  to  the  gravity  and 
solemnity  of  the  occasion. 

"  The  following  resolutions,  as  prepared  by  the  Committee  were  then  read 
and  unanimously  adopted  : 

"Whereas;,  'The  Pennsylvania  Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to 
Animals'  has  heard  of  the  sudden  decease  of  its  Secretary,  Samuel  J.  Levick, 
now  be  it 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Society  hereby  desires  to  express  its  deep  sense  of  the 
loss  it  has  sustained  by  the  unexpected  death  of  its  late  Secretary ; 

"Resolved,  That  during  his  long  connection  with  the  Society,  Mr.  Levick 
proved  himself,  in  many  ways,  a  faithful  and  efficient  officer,  one  to  whom  the 
interests  of  the  dumb  creatures  were  very  dear,  and  a  diligent  laborer  at  all 
times  and  in  divers  ways,  to  relieve  and  alleviate  animal  sufferings; 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Society  truly  sympathizes  with  the  family  of  the  de- 
ceased in  this,  their  sudden  and  unhioked-for  bereavement,  and  tenders  to 
them  its  affectionate  sympathy  ; 

"Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Managers  attend  the  funeral  in  a  body,  and 
that  a  copy  of  these  resolutions,  properly  engrossed,  be  sent  to  Mr.  Levick's 
family. 

"On  motion,  adjourned.  A.  B.  Ivins, 

Secretary" 


APPENDIX. 


"Philadelphia,  April  21st,  1885. 

"  Mrs.  S.  .1.  Levick  : 
"  Dear  Madam: — I  have  been  directed  by  the  Board  of  Managers  of  this 
Society  to  forward  you  the  enclosed  Resolutions  referring  to  your  honored 
husband,  and  my  respected  friend. 

"Assuring  you  of  my  sympathy  also,  I  am, 

"  Very  respectfully, 

C.  M.  Howell, 

Clerk  S.  P.  C.  A." 

[From  the  Evening  Reporter,  Burlington,  N.  J.] 
"  A  Friend  to  Animals  at  Rest. 

"At  a  meeeting  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  S.  P.  C.  A.,  held  Tues- 
day, April  21st,  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted  : 

" Resolved,  That  this  Society  learns  with  much  regret  of  the  sudden  death 
of  Mr.  Samuel  J.  Levick,  for  many  years  the  indefatigable  and  efficient  Secre- 
tary of  the  Pennsylvania  Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals; 

"  Resolred,  That,  in  the  death  of  Mr.  Levick,  the  Burlington  County  Society 
sustains  the  loss  of  a  warm  friend,  whose  interest  in  its  organization  and  wel- 
fare will  always  be  gratefully  cherished,  and  the  Society  at  large,  a  representa- 
tive worthy  of  the  highest  emulation  ; 

"  Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  published  in  our  local  papers,  and  a 
copy  sent  to  the  family  of  the  deceased. 

"  By  order  Ex.  Committee.  R.  B.  Carter, 

Sec.  Ex.  Com. 

"Aside  from  the  noted  philanthropist,  Henry  Bergh,  Esq.,  the  founder  of 
the  Society  P.  C.  A.  in  this  country,  no  man  was  more  enthusiastic  in  the 
humane  cause  than  Samuel  J.  Levick,  who  in  all  the  relations  of  life  was 
characterized  by  his  broad  and  generous  sympathies.  At  the  first  public 
meeting  of  the  Burlington  Society  P.  C.  A.,  held  Tuesday  evening,  Nov.  20th, 
1883,  Mr.  Levick  was  present  by  invitation,  and  addressed  the  meeting  in  an 
exceedingly  pleasing,  interesting  and  encouraging  manner. 

"In  the  decease  of  Mr.  Levick  the  brute  creation  loses  a  true  and  devoted 
friend." 


416 


APPENDIX. 


"  Western  Pennsylvania  Humane  Society. 
"  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  April  24,  1885. 

"Mrs.  Samuel  J.  Levick:: 

"Dear  Madam: — We  have  received  the  sad  intelligence  that  your  es- 
teemed husband  died  suddenly,  on  Sabbath  evening  last.  He  has  been  a 
faithful  and  true  Christian  man,  active  in  every  good  work.  His  labors  in 
behalf  of  God's  defenseless  creatures  have  been  most  persevering  and  grand. 

"  I  am  instructed  by  the  Western  Pa.  Humane  Society  to  express  to  you 
their  deep  sympathy  in  this,  your  great  bereavement, 
"  Yours,  truly, 

Leonard  H.  Eaton, 

President." 

At  a  stated  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  held  May  12th,  1885,  the 
following  communication  was  read  from  the  Western  Pennsylvania  Humane 
Society  of  Pittsburg: 

"  To  the  President  and  Members  of  the  Pennsylvania  Society  P.  C.  A. — We  have 
learned  with  much  regret  of  the  death  of  your  Secretary,  Mr.  Samuel  J.  Lev- 
ick. His  long  service  in  humane  work,  his  deep  sympathy  with  every  form 
of  suffering,  and  his  perseverance  under  all  circumstances,  rendered  his  life  of 
great  value  to  society. 

"I  am  instructed  by  the  Western  Pennsylvania  Humane  Society  to  convey 
to  you  the  deep  sympathy  of  its  members  with  you,  in  the  loss  by  death  of 
this  valuable  officer. 

"  Yours,  truly, 

[Signed]  Leonard  H.  F.aton, 

President." 

[From  Friends'  Intelligencer.] 
"  Decease  of  Samuel  J.  Levick. 

''A  severe  shock  amongst  our  religious  body,  and  a  painful  announcement 
to  many  outside  of  it,  was  occasioned  by  the  decease  of  our  friend,  Samuel  J. 
Levick,  on  First-day  evening  last,  at  his  home  in  West  Philadelphia.  He 
had  been  seriously  ill  for  only  three  days,  having  been  seized  by  an  attack  of 
heart  trouble  on  Fifth-day  evening,  though  some  premonitions  of  this  had 
previously  been  observed. 

"Samuel  was  the  son  of  Ebenezer  Levick,  of  Philadelphia,  and  was  born  in 
this  city  in  the  Eighth  Month,  1819.  In  early  manhood  he  was  much  inter- 
ested in  the  welfare  of  the  colored  people,  and,  more  than  forty  years  ago,  it 


APPENDIX. 


417 


was  his  practice  to  visit  them  in  their  homes  ami  impart  religions  and  other 

instruction  to  them.    He  was  one  of  the  f'(  ders  of  the  '  Junior  Anti-Slavery 

Society  of  Philadelphia  '  Soon  after  his  marriage  he  removed  to  Richland, 
Bucks  County,  where  he  remained  for  more  than  thirty  years  engaged  in  the 
tanning  business.  Returning  to  Philadelphia,  he  accepted  the  position  of 
Secretary  of  the  'Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals,'  which  was 
offered  to  him,  and  for  which,  as  an  executive  officer,  he  was  admirably  fitted. 
In  this  field  he  showed  much  zeal  anil  energy,  and  probably  no  one,  except 
Mr.  Bergh,  of  New  York,  has  done  more  to  prevent  suffering  among  the  brute 
creation.  Of  his  service  as  a  minister  in  the  Society  of  Friends  we  cannot 
here  undertake  to  speak  fully.  It  is,  however,  just  to  say  that  his  sermons 
were  earnest,  clear  and  forcible,  and  that  he  was  particularly  favored  to  inter- 
est young  hearers,  and  often  to  favorably  impress  those  not  of  our  Society.  He 
was  a  positive  and  energetic  worker,  in  w  hatever  Held  of  labor  be  felt  called 
upon  to  enter,  and  his  loss  from  the  already  depleted  ranks  of  our  ministry 
will  be  severely  felt." 

An  Extract. 

"At  New  York  Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  held  the  23rd  of 
Fifth  Month,  1 885  : 

"The  Minutes  df  our  last  Yearly  Meeting  were  read  during  our  morning 
session. 

"We  were  reminded  by  the  record,  of  the  attendance  last  year  of  one  (Sam- 
uel J.  Levick)  who  has  since  been  called  from  works  to  rewards.  His  (iospel 
labors  have  been  feelingly  adverted  to,  and  his  last  visit  and  testimony  among 
us  has  been  cited  as  emphasizing  the  rich  possession  of  the  Christian  religion. 
'The  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you.' 

"While  experiencing  the  bereavement,  we  were  animated  to  greater  dedica- 
tion by  increased  individual  obligation  now,  as  bumble,  willing  instruments 
in  promoting,  with  Divine  aid,  the  service  called  for  by  our  Heavenly 
Father." 

The  Testimony  of  an  Elder. 

[One  who  often  sat  under  the  ministry  of  Samuel  J.  Levick  during  the  latter 
part  of  his  life  :] 

"Samuel  J.  Levick  was  a  full  believer  in  the  record  of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
not  doubting  or  caviling  at  what  he  could  not  comprehend,  but  reverently  leav- 
ing that,  he  quoted  freely  from  the  portions  that  had  been  opened  to  bis  spir- 
itual understanding. 


418 


APPENDIX. 


"  In  his  ministry  he  was  sound,  clear  and  forcible,  and  the  exercise  thereof 
was  very  frequently  accompanied  with  a  baptizing  and  tendering  effect  upon 
his  hearers.  When  occasion  required  it,  he  shrunk  not  from  boldly  and  fear- 
lessly expressing  what  he  felt  commissioned  to  say  to  the  audience. 

"  On  one  occasion,  after  having  clearly  set  forth  the  views  and  principles  of 
Friends,  he  paused  and  added,  '  If  this  be  heresy,  let  it  be,  but  so  worship  I 
the  God  of  my  fathers.  And  though,  among  the  high-professing  religionists 
of  the  day,  we  may  seem  to  have  no  place,  yet  we  need  not  be  discouraged  at 
this,  for  the  Blessed  Master  himself  said,  "The  Son  of  Man  hath  not  where 
to  lay  his  head."  If  then,  our  Lord  and  Master  should  thus  feel,  need  we  ex- 
pect to  be  greater  than  He?  And  as  long  as  we  confide  in  Him,  it  matters 
not  by  whom  we  are  recognized,  or  by  whom  despised.' 

"Another  time  he  commenced  by  saying,  'The  Lord  is  the  Teacher  of  his 
people  himself,'  and  alluded  to  this  declaration  as  being  one  of  the  distin- 
guishing views  of  Friends.  He  also  referred  to  the  great  excitement  in  refer 
ence  to  the  new  version  of  the  'Scriptures.'  He  then  said,  whilst  valuing 
these  writings  as  being  able  to  make  us  wise  unto  salvation,  through  faith  in 
Christ  Jesus,  he  feared  that  the  letter  of  them  was  too  much  depended  upon, 
without  coming  to  the  spiritual  application.  He  compared  the  '  Scriptures'  to 
a  nut,  the  shell  of  which  was  the  written  words,  giving  an  account  of  events 
and  of  the  times  in  which  they  occurred,  and  the  kernel  the  work  of  (rod, 
whose  power  preserved  them  through  all.  This  power  is  still  able  to  make 
wise  those  who  believe,  for  it  is  in  consonance  with  that  received  from  the 
Great  Teacher.  He  then  very  feelingly  exhorted  all  to  come  to  Him  who  is 
wooing  us  to  love  Him,  and  whose  tender  mercies  are  over  all  his  works,  so 
that  He  is  caring  for  all  and  causing  his  rain  to  fall  upon  the  just  and  upon 
the  unjust,  renewing  the  earth  for  the  benefit  of  man,  and  noting  the  fall  of  the 
sparrow,  which,  as  well  as  man,  is  the  work  of  his  creation. 

"  On  another  occasion,  when  exhorting  to  the  importance  of  a  preparation 
for  the  life  to  come,  he  bore  a  strong  testimony  against  deferring  the  work  and 
thinking  to  do  it  hereafter;  also  against  a  belief  in  spiritual  mediums,  as  held 
by  some.  He  exclaimed,  '  Such  things  are  a  fallacy  and  a  delusion  !  Who  ever 
saw  any  that  returned  to  tell  what  is  going  on  in  the  world  of  spirits,  and 
what  is  the  condition  of  those  who  are  now  resting  from  their  labors?  As  to 
consulting  mediums — as  they  are  so  called  for  a  more  refined  name  than  that 
of  witches — we  have  but  one  account  in  Holy  Scripture  where  allusion  is  made 
to  these,  and  that  is  where  Saul  went  to  consult  the  Witch  of  End  or.  And 
why  did  he  do  so  ?  Because  he  who  had  been  chosen  of  the  Lord  for  a  mighty 
work,  forsook  the  Most  High,  went  into  paths  of  wickedness,  and  becoming 


APPENDIX. 


419 


jealous,  and  not  knowing  of  whom  to  take  counsel,  lie  turned  to  the  spirits  of 
the  dead.  Oh,  the  jealousy  that  lie  felt  towards  David,  after  the  battle  with 
the  Philistines,  when  theory  went  forth,  "Saul  hath  slain  his  thousands,  but 
David  his  tens  of  thousands."  .  .  .  And  what  was  the  end  of  him 
who  forsook  the  Lord,  his  God?  He  fell  upon  Mount,  (xilboa,  where  there 
was  neither  rain"  nor  dew  nor  lields  of  ottering. 

'•'I  never  before  have  felt  called  to  speak  publicly  on  this  subject— spirit- 
ualism— and  1  here  leave  it  for  your  consideration.' 

"  It  was  afterwards  found  that  there  was  present  a  man  who  had  lost  his 
right  of  raemhership  in  the  Society  of  Friends  on  account  of  his  holding  anil 
advocating  these  views." 


SAMUEL  J.  LKVK'K. 

In  the  days  of  my  youth  it  was  my  privilege  often  to  sit  under  the  ministry 
of  this  gifted  Friend.  Then  1  did  not  feel  that  1  knew  him  personally;  hut 
1  could  testify  that  his  sermons  were  impressive  as  well  as  interesting.  In 
large  assemblies  he  could  arouse  the  lukewarm,  impart  seriousness  to  the  frivo- 
lous, make  the  worldly-minded  feel  uneasy,  urge  the  hesitating,  appeal  to  those 
who  felt  terrified  at  the  sight  and  with  a  sense  of  their  sins;  and  then  — as  one 
commissioned  by  the  Great  Physician-  he  Cuuld  pour  the  oil  of  joy  into  the 
wounded  hearts  of  the  mourners  in  Zion.  The  stillness  that  would  pervade  an 
assembly  after  he  had  taken  his  seat,  was  an  evidence  of  the  baptizing  power 
of  his  ministry,  and  of  the  seals  that  it  had  impressed  on  many  hearts. 

In  our  meetings  for  discipline  he  seemed  to  have  a  clear  insight  into  the 
temptations  that  beset  the  young,  and  the  ability  to  adapt  his  language  and 
his  illustrations  to  their  comprehension  ;  w  hile  his  we  (instead  of  you)  gave  the 
assurance  of  his  sympathy  with  them  in  their  trials,  as  well  as  his  vigilance 
over  their  walking,  and  caused  his  earnest,  yea,  his  pathetic  appeals  to  '.'  fasten 
as  a  nail  in  a  sure  place."  So  forcibly  could  he  apply  the  Queries,  and  so  feel- 
ingly bemoan  the  low  "state  of  Society,"  as  indicated  by  the  Answers,  when 
there  was  great  delinquency,  that  the  young  man  who  could  not,  or  who  would 
not,  look  into  the  mirror  of  his  own  heart,  and  see  his  short-comings,  must  he 
either  callous,  or  dull  of  perception. 

In  later  years  1  came  to  know  him  socially,  and  to  be  in  his  company  at 
Friends'  houses  after  meetings,  also  to  visit  at  his  own  home,  and  see  him  in 


420 


APPENDIX. 


his  family,  and  such  acquaintance  had  a  tendency  to  verify  the  statement  so 
often  made  in  his  ministry — that  the  path  of  the  righteous  is  not  a  gloomy 
one,  hut  thai  it  is  tilled  with  all  the  true  joys  that  this  life  can  afford,  while 
the  absence  of  the/iffoe  ones  preserves  the  wayfarer  from  present  dangers  and 
from  many  future  pangs. 

In  conversation  he  was  not  a  hobbyist,  hut  he  could  take  up  the  topic  that 
others  had  started,  and  contribute  to  the  general  fund  of  information.  In  mat- 
ters purely  secular  he  had  good  judgment,  and  gave  ample  proof  that  he  had 
heeu  an  observer  of  men  and  of  their  actions;  and  that  he  knew  how  to  draw 
conclusions  from  well-established  premises.  He  Wiis  able  in  argument,  and 
had  he  been  a  barrister,  or  a  statesman,  instead  of  a  minister,  he  would  ha  ve 
been  powerful  in  the  arena  of  debate. 

A  man  whose  profession  required  him  to  study  persons  closely,  and  to  read 
characters  analytically,  remarked  of  Samuel  J.  Levick,  that  he  was  compara- 
ble to  "  the  head-light  of  a  locomotive.1'  The  comparison  is  a  forcible  one,  and 
its  application  is  easily  made  by  those  who  have  observed  how  this  light  pene- 
trates into  the  very  depths  of  darkness,  and  enlightens  the  way  in  advance  of 
the  train  that  is  following. 

In  the  social  circle  where  he  was  present  the  conversation  never  seemed  to 
Hag,  nor  to  descend  to  the  commonplace;  but  without  seeming  didactic  he 
could  raise  it  to  a  plane  that  would  invigorate  thought,  and  invite  remark  from 
the  young  and  inexperienced  inquirer,  as  well  as  from  the  sage  and  the  veteran. 
Hut  perhaps  the  greatest  charm  of  his  conversation  was  his  sincerity  :  he 
could  express  concurrence  without  flattery,  or  dissent  without  contradiction; 
but  bis  hearers  were  not  left  in  doubt  as  to  his  opinion  oti  the  subject  under 
discussion.  The  exception  to  this  colloquial  freedom  was  when  be  was  under 
religious  exercise ;  for  then  his  silence  was  easily  understood,  and  the  whole 
company  would  soon  get  under  the  weight  of  it.  Greatly  was  he  favored  both 
in  pertinent  testimony  and  fervent  supplication  in  some  of  these  family  oppor- 
tunities: there  are  those  now  in  advanced  life  who  can  recur  to  the  solemn 
impressions  made  upon  their  youthful  minds  on  these  occasions. 

The  business  man  and  the  philanthropist  (as  he  appeared  in  his  connection 
with  the  Societies)  have  been  described  by  others  ;  but  the  writer  of  this  little  trib- 
ute of  esteem  and  affection  would  rather  portray  the  Samuel  J.  Levick  that  he 
knew,  as  a  minister,  a  social  man,  a  family  man  and  a  friend.  In  each  and  in  all 
of  these  relations  he  occupied  a  most  worthy  place.  As  it  was  not  his  purpose, 
neither  should  it  be  ours,  to  exalt  the  creature;  yet  we  may  call  attention  to  his 
own  expressions,  which  point  to  the  means  by  which  he  became  the  eminent 
minister  and  the  useful  man  that  he  was ;  and  we  who  were  his  contemporaries — 


APPENDIX. 


421 


though  his  juniors — and  who  watched  his  course  with  interest  and  instruction, 
can  emphasize  the  sentiment  that  "An  early  surrender,  followed  by  a  constant 
endeavor"  insures  a  safe  passage  amid  the  dangers  of  life,  brings  a  joyful  old 
age,  and  at  the  end  of  the  journey  gives  rEACE  with  a  hopeful  trust. 

H.  F. 


A  TRIBUTE. 

[From  one  who  knew  him  intimately,  and  who  conversed  with  him  on  the 
last  day  of  his  life.] 

Samuel  J.  Levick  passed  away  peacefully  and  painlessly.  With  the  history 
of  the  life  thus  closed  we  were  well  acquainted.  We,  who  were  closely  asso- 
ciated with  him,  knew  how  serious  had  been  his  early  manhood,  and  how,  from 
a  sense  of  religious  duty  he  had  left  a  good  home,  had  abandoned  the  opportuni- 
ties of  the  city,  and  the  prospect  of  a  promising  business  career,  and  had  adopt- 
ed a  simple,  country  life,  that  he  might  walk  more  fully  in  harmony  with  the 
Divine  Will,  which  he  desired  should  govern  his  every  thought  and  action. 
We  knew  that  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-three  he  was  an  acknowledged  minis- 
ter in  the  religious  Society  of  Friends;  and  we  also  knew  how  earnestly  he 
labored— then,  as  in  after  years  — for  the  good  of  the  church  ;  how  zealously  he 
strove  to  break  the  bonds  of  the  slave  ;  and  how  staunch  an  advocate  he  was  for 
universal  peace.  How  he  deepened  in  spirituality  ;  how  circumspect  was  his 
daily  walk  among  men;  and  how,  when  sore  bereavements  and  trials  beset 
him,  he  was  able  to  rise  above  them  all;  yes,  and  how  faithfully  he  obeyed 
the  dictates  of  a  sensitive  conscience,  as  he  endeavored  in  a  humble  and  willing 
spirit  to  fulfill  the  requirements  laid  upon  him.  Thus  it  was  that  he  experi- 
enced a  growth  in  grace  and  in  spiritual  knowledge  and  understanding. 

We  who  knew  of  this  early  life,  its  sacrifices  and  its  spiritual  baptisms,  were 
able— because  of  this  knowledge — to  realize  how  he  had  passed  from  one  con- 
dition of  religious  growth  unto  another;  from  the  child  unto  the  man.  When 
the  stature  of  the  man  had  been  attained,  it  was  a  vigorous  manhood,  broad  and 
catholic.  Then  it  was  that  his  field  of  labor  enlarged  ;  he  took  a  marked  in- 
terest in  the  social  and  the  political  problems  of  his  day,  and  in  many  branches 
of  secular  work,  without  allowing  them  to  encroach  upon  his  religious  duties. 
By  nature  he  was  well  fitted  for  the  former,  and  by  grace  he  had  grown  to  be 
a  strong  man  in  Gospel  service:  the  one  called  for  outward  observation  and 
decisive  action,  while  the  other  required  passivity  and  the  introspection  of  "  an 


422 


APPENDIX. 


anointed  eye  ;"  and  probably  no  man  more  appreciated  the  importance  of  keep- 
ing the  two  kinds  of  work  distinct  from  each  other,  and  each  in  its  proper 
place.  He  not  only  knew  but  he  felt  what  it  is  to  "  Render  unto  Csesar  the 
tilings  which  are  Caesar's,  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are  God's." 

A  man  of  exalted  patriotism,  he  earnestly  and  eloquently  strove  to  impress 
upon  his  hearers — and  especially  the  youthful  ones — that  they  should  zeal- 
ously guard  the  institutions  of  the  government  under  which  they  live;  and 
particularly  that  they  should  appreciate  their  religious  and  civil  liberties 
which  permit  every  human  being  in  this  country  to  worship  God  untrammeled 
by  bigotry,  and  to  enjoy  the  security  of  his  home,  unfettered  by  despotism  ; 
privileges  which  have  been  won  by  many  sacrifices  and  by  much  suffering. 
He  very  often  quoted  the  sentiment  "  a  government  of  the  people,  by  the  peo- 
ple and  for  the  people;"  also  the  Scripture  text  "  Righteousness  exalteth  a 
nation  ;  but  sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  people." 

Generous  and  sympathetic  to  a  fault,  he  was  yet  a  man  of  strong  convictions, 
and  he  possessed  the  courage  of  the  same.  Gifted  with  keen  foresight,  ho 
lacked  tact.  Aggressive  in  advocating  reforms,  his  straight-forward  character 
forbade  diplomacy. 

He  bore  a  practical  as  well  as  a  theoretical  testimony  against  "  tale-bearing 
and  detraction,"  and  such  subjects  of  conversation  were  never  permitted  in  his 
family  circle. 

Within  a  few  years  of  three-score  and  ten,  Samuel  J.  Levick  did  not  die  an 
old  man,  but  rather  as  a  young  man,  both  mentally  and  physically.  "Keep 
young,  do  not  grow  old,"  was  a  favorite  saying  of  his  ;  also  that  "  Wisdom  is 
gray  hairs,  and  an  unspotted  life,  old  age."  Having  a  bright,  cheerful  dispo- 
sition, he  loved  to  surround  himself  with  the  young,  whom  he  encouraged  and 
sometimes  joined  in  their  amusements. 

It  was  to  him  a  very  solemn  and  impressive  opportunity  to  address  the 
scholars  of  the  "  Friends'  Central  School" — nearly  two  thousand  in  number — 
who  attend  the  mid-week  meeting  at  Race  Street.  That  he  was  much  favored 
on  lliese  occasions,  many  who  have  heard  him  have  borne  testimony. 

Non-sectarian  in  his  views,  with  a  deep  love  for  his  fellow-man,  and  an 
"  abiding  faith  in  the  immediate  revelation  of  the  Saviour  in  the  heart  of  each,''  his 
ministry  was  not  so  much  to  expound  doctrines  as  it  was  to  teach  a  practical 
religion  ;  one  that  is  helpful  in  every-day  life,  and  that  has  in  view  the  bright 
prospect  of  the  Spirit  Land. 

His  forceful  and  often  eloquent  discourses  commanded  the  attention  of  his 
hearers. 

At  no  time  nor  place  did  he  seem  more  gifted  than  when  attending  the  meet- 


ATPKND1X. 


423 


ings  in  the  old  Merion  Meeting  House,  near  Philadelphia.  Standing  where 
William  Penn  had  stood,  when  he  preached  in  the  same  building  two  hun- 
dred years  before,  and  with  the  knowledge  that  in  the  quiet,  plain  grave-yard 
near  by  lay  the  remains  of  many  of  the  founders  of  the  Friends'  Meetings 
in  Philadelphia,  as  well  as  founders  of  this  great  Commonwealth — his  ances- 
tors among  them — it  is  not  surprising  that  he  should  be  drawn  to  call  the  atten- 
tion of  his  hearers  to  the  record  of  the  lives  of  these  men.™  With  an  earnest- 
ness and  a  flow  of  language  that  none  who  heard  him  can  ever  forget,  he 
would  impress  upon  his  audience  the  value  of  the  precious  boon  of  their 
religious  liberty,  secured  for  them  by  the  faithful  obedience  of  these  forefathers 
to  the  law  written  in  their  hearts, — and  then  he  would  urge  all  to  "press  toward 
the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  Uod  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord." 

L.  J.  L. 

Phila.,  Pa.,  Twelfth  Mo.  13th,  1895. 


*He  had  requested  that  his  body  he  buried  at  Merion,  where  the  remains  of 
many  of  his  kindred  (including  his  grandmother,  Mary  Wetherill  Jones)  had 
been  interred.  At  the  time  of  his  funeral,  as  the  company  came  out  of  the  grave- 
yard, his  brother,  Dr.  James  J.  Levlok,  wrote  on  a  slip  of  paper  and  handed  it 
to  one  of  the  family  the  following  quotation  : 

"And  they  buried  him  .  .  .  among  the  kings,  because  he  had  done  good  in 
Israel,  both  toward  God  and  toward  his  house." 


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